Minneapolis erupted in chaos Saturday as a team led by James O’Keefe documented the aftermath of a shooting involving federal agents and a suspect wanted for violent assault. What began as investigative reporting quickly spiraled into a dangerous confrontation, revealing a volatile atmosphere and escalating threats.
Federal authorities were conducting a targeted operation against Alex Jeffrey Pretti, 37, of South Minneapolis, who was wanted in connection with a violent assault. The situation turned deadly when Pretti, armed, reportedly attacked Border Patrol agents, resulting in a fatal shooting by a federal agent.
Footage circulating online appeared to show Pretti initiating an attack on the law enforcement officers moments before the shooting. The incident immediately drew a large and hostile crowd, setting the stage for a harrowing ordeal for O’Keefe and his team.
O’Keefe, broadcasting live from the scene, found himself surrounded by hundreds of individuals who aggressively targeted him and his crew. The atmosphere quickly turned violent, with projectiles raining down upon them as they attempted to report on the unfolding events.
“We barely made it out alive,” O’Keefe reported, describing a desperate retreat from the escalating mob. He detailed how the crowd threw ice bottles and even attempted to forcibly remove his bulletproof vest, demonstrating the intensity of the hostility.
The pursuit didn’t end at the scene of the shooting. O’Keefe revealed that the group relentlessly followed his team, tracking them all the way back to their hotel, a chilling indication of the sustained threat they faced.
Adding to the danger, O’Keefe’s team received direct death threats via text message during the ordeal. One message, stark and immediate, warned, “You have 1 hour to leave or you’re dead.” The threat underscored the gravity of the situation and the potential for further violence.
Despite the intimidation and threats, O’Keefe maintained that undercover reporters remained embedded within the crowd, continuing to gather information amidst the unrest. The team’s experience highlighted the risks faced by journalists operating in increasingly polarized environments.
The incident raises serious questions about the safety of journalists covering sensitive events and the potential for escalating violence in politically charged situations. It paints a disturbing picture of a city on edge and a media team caught in the crossfire.
