An expert has shed light on a significant detail that may explain why Border Patrol agents shot Alex Pretti on Saturday, January 24.

This tragic event follows the recent outcry over the death of 37-year-old Renee Good, adding to the growing concerns about such seemingly avoidable incidents.

Alex Pretti, a dedicated ICU nurse who often assisted U.S. military veterans, was confronted by ICE agents over the weekend. Reportedly, he was pepper-sprayed, restrained, and subsequently shot at close range multiple times.

ICE has maintained a noticeable presence in Minneapolis recently, apprehending those they suspect of illegal residency. Tensions have flared due to frequent clashes with protesters, and the shooting of Renee Good on January 7 left a mark of dismay on millions.

This weekend saw the loss of another seemingly innocent citizen in yet another avoidable fatality. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accused Pretti of threatening federal agents with a gun, claiming he intended to cause maximum harm.

Former President Donald Trump also took to social media, labeling Pretti as a gunman and publicizing an image of the firearm in question.

Soon after, videos began to surface that challenged these early claims. There are now reports suggesting Pretti held a valid gun permit, and the weapon was reportedly removed by agents from his holster before he was shot.

One video depicts Pretti seemingly trying to shield two women, brandishing nothing but a phone in his hand.

While Pretti’s possession of a firearm isn’t under dispute, a fresh perspective from an expert reveals potential mishaps involving the gun that could have inadvertently led to his death.

DHS hasn't shown itself to be a consistently reliable narrator. The word choice here gives me pause. “Approached with a 9mm” does not tell us whether the firearm was drawn, displayed, or even known to officers at the time of the encounter.
Reserving judgment, but I’m concerned. pic.twitter.com/xL3dCs1WEQ

— Rob Doar (@robdoar) January 24, 2026

Rob Doar, a lawyer with the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, speculated that Pretti’s firearm might have gone off accidentally when an agent took it, causing another officer to fire in a state of perceived threat.

Doubts about DHS’s narrative have been raised, with word choices like “approached with a 9mm” questioned for their accuracy in portraying the situation. Concerns about the tale they told are prompting many to reserve judgment.

On a social media platform, Doar shared, “It’s highly likely the first shot was a mistake by an agent in a grey jacket after he retrieved the Sig P320 from Pretti’s holster.”

Footage reportedly depicts unnecessary shots fired at Pretti, showing he was harmless and restrained prior to being fatally shot.

In retaliation to the Trump administration’s branding the 37-year-old a danger to ICE, Pretti’s family released a heartfelt statement decrying the fabrication.

“The fabrications about our son by the administration are scandalous and vile. It’s evident Alex was unarmed as he faced Trump’s alleged criminal ICE agents,” they stated.

“He only held his phone with his right hand, while his left was raised defensively, trying to protect the woman just shoved by ICE amid the pepper-spray attack.

“Share the truth about our son. His integrity and kindness deserve acknowledgment.”