The family of a man shot and killed by federal agents in Minneapolis Saturday has denounced the “sickening lies” of the Trump administration as state and federal officials remain divided about the investigation into his death.
Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse and American citizen, became the second protester in Minneapolis to be shot and killed in less than three weeks, after a federal agent fatally shot Renee Nicole Good, 37, earlier this month.
Federal officials accused Pretti of attempting to assassinate officers with a pistol. However, videos taken by eyewitnesses do not show Pretti pointing or drawing any weapon or threatening officers.
His family slammed the Trump administration’s response to the shooting, writing in a statement, “The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting.
“Alex is clearly not holding a gun when attacked by Trump’s murdering and cowardly ICE thugs.”
State officials said that federal agents had obstructed their access as they sought to investigate the crime scene. Minneapolis police chief Brian O’Hara said Pretti was a “lawful gun owner” with a permit.
Governor Tim Walz has said that the state must be allowed to have control over the investigation into his death.
“Minnesota’s justice system will have the last word on this.”
GoFundMe set up for Pretti’s loved ones receives over $400,000 in donations
A GoFundMe set up to benefit Alex Pretti’s family has received just over $400,000 in donations as of Sunday morning.
Organizer Keith Edwards said Pretti “was executed on the streets of Minneapolis by ICE agents.”
“This fundraiser is intended to support the loved ones he leaves behind with immediate and ongoing needs. Because details are still unfolding, and to ensure the money goes to the right person, funds will not be distributed until we can verify next-of-kin and identify the appropriate family representative to manage anything raised,” the fundraiser notes.
“If, for any reason, the funds cannot be transferred to Alex’s family, we will direct the total amount to the Immigrant Defense Project, a nonprofit that provides litigation, advocacy, and community-defense resources to help immigrants defend their rights and fight deportation.”
In pictures: Candlelit vigil held for Alex Pretti
Watch: Unrest in Minneapolis after another shooting by federal officers
Ilhan Omar calls latest shooting ‘execution by immigration enforcement’
Minnesota Rep Ilhan Omar has condemned the shooting of a Minneapolis resident as an “execution by immigration enforcement.”
“This appears to be an execution by immigration enforcement. I am absolutely heartbroken, horrified, and appalled that federal agents murdered another member of our community. It is beyond shameful these federal agents are targeting our residents instead of protecting them. This isn’t isolated or accidental.
“The Trump administration is trying to beat us into submission rather than protect us. This administration cannot continue violating constitutional rights under the guise of immigration enforcement. ICE and CBP must leave Minnesota immediately.
“Their presence is terrorizing our communities, violating rights, and taking lives with zero accountability. Minnesota was once a place of refuge, and Trump has turned it into a war zone where unchecked federal forces murder our neighbors.”
Unrest in Minneapolis after ICU nurse is shot and killed
Unrest in Minneapolis after ICU nurse is shot and killed
Pictured: A federal agent lobs a teargas canister towards protesters in Minneapolis
National Rifle Association condemns ‘dangerous’ comments by Trump prosecutor
The National Rifle Association has condemned comments from the First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, Bill Essayli, supporting federal agents after an anti-ICE protester was shot in Minneapolis.
Alex Pretti, a licensed gun holder, was shot dead and accused by federal officials of attempting to assassinate officers with a pistol.
Essayli said: “If you approach law enforcement with a gun, there is a high likelihood they will be legally justified in shooting you. Don’t do it!”
Minneapolis police chief Brian O’Hara said Pretti was a “lawful gun owner” with a permit.
The NRA has said: “This sentiment from the First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California is dangerous and wrong. Responsible public voices should be awaiting a full investigation, not making generalizations and demonizing law-abiding citizens.”
Analysis: How an anti-ICE protester came to be shot dead by federal agents
Senior US reporter Alex Woodward looks at just how Alex Pretti came to be shot dead by federal agents amid anti-ICE protests.
How an anti-ICE protester came to be shot dead by federal agents
Philadelphia governor takes hard line against ICE presence as DHS ‘to ramp up operations’
Philadelphia governor Josh Shapiro has made it clear that the state will not support ICE after reports suggested the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would ramp up operations in the city.
In a statement to NBC10, Shapiro’s spokesperson Will Simon, said: “Outside agencies do not have unfettered access to state databases. As it has for years, PSP may share information with federal, local, and other state law enforcement agencies when necessary during the course of a criminal investigation.”
Already, a number of anti-ICE protests have taken place in the Pennsylvania city.
“There are legitimate investigations that involve foreign nationals who have committed crimes in PA or elsewhere that would require immigration enforcement agencies to seek access to information contained in Commonwealth-run databases.”
They added Shapiro’s administration doesn’t allow the State Police to conduct immigration enforcement, serve immigration warrants from the federal government, or lease facilities to ICE or the DHS.
“Governor Shapiro has made clear that everyone is welcome in Pennsylvania, no matter who you are, what you look like, who you love, or who you pray to,” Simon said. “He will continue to stand with Pennsylvania’s immigrant communities.”
Source: independent.co.uk