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A coalition of Minnesota’s biggest employers—including Target, 3M, and UnitedHealth Group—issued a joint appeal on Jan. 25, calling for a de-escalation of tensions following the fatal shooting of a 37-year-old man by a Border Patrol agent during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis.
The open letter, circulated by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and signed by more than 60 CEOs and civic leaders, said Minnesota has faced “widespread disruption and tragic loss of life” in recent weeks and urged “peace and focused cooperation among local, state and federal leaders” to help restore stability.
“With yesterday’s tragic news, we are calling for an immediate de-escalation of tensions and for state, local and federal officials to work together to find real solutions,” the coalition wrote in the letter.
The business community’s appeal for calm followed the fatal shooting of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, 37, on Jan. 24 as Border Patrol agents conducted an arrest in Minneapolis. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said agents were attempting to apprehend an illegal immigrant wanted for “violent assault” when Pretti approached them. The DHS said Pretti had a “9 mm semi-automatic handgun,” no identification, and was carrying two additional magazines.
“The officers attempted to disarm the suspect but the armed suspect violently resisted,” DHS said, adding that an agent fired “defensive shots” after fearing for his life and the safety of other officers. DHS said medics provided medical aid, but Pretti was pronounced dead at the scene.
Videos from the scene circulating on social media appear to show Pretti holding an object in his hand as he struggles with agents.
His family said in a statement shared by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) that Pretti was “clearly not holding a gun” but instead had “his phone in his right hand, and his empty left hand is raised above his head.”
Pretti’s parents identified him as an intensive care unit nurse and said he was a “kindhearted soul who cared deeply for his family and friends” and a “good man.”
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said Pretti was a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry.
Tensions Flare
The incident comes amid ongoing protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minneapolis and rising tensions following the earlier fatal shooting of U.S citizen Renee Good during a separate immigration operation.
Videos circulating online have raised questions about the latest shooting, including footage that appears to show a federal agent removing an item—possibly a firearm—from Pretti’s waist area and turning to walk away with it just before Pretti was shot. In an interview with Fox News on Jan. 25, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was asked by reporter Peter Doocey about the footage purportedly showing “an officer removing a weapon” from Pretti, with Noem saying investigators would review all angles and evidence before reaching any conclusions.
“Every video will be analyzed, everything will be looked at,” Noem said, adding that the encounter unfolded “in seconds” and that officers “clearly feared for their lives.”
Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino defended the operation and accused Pretti of “actively impeding and assaulting law enforcement,” telling CNN in an interview that investigators would determine what happened between the initial encounter and the fatal shots.
President Donald Trump said his administration is reviewing the shooting and will announce the findings in due course.
“We’re looking, we’re reviewing everything, and will come out with a determination,” Trump told The Wall Street Journal in a Jan. 25 interview.
Police Chiefs Seek Meeting, Judge Orders Evidence Preserved
The Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association (MCPA) said it has requested a meeting with Trump to discuss escalating public safety pressures in Minnesota, describing the moment as one requiring stability and professionalism.
“Minnesota’s law enforcement officers are facing growing challenges in fulfilling their core responsibilities of protecting life, enforcing the law, and serving communities in accordance with constitutional principles,” the association said in a Jan. 25 statement.
The MCPA said it is seeking a “constructive and timely” dialogue as law enforcement professionals operate in “complex, high-pressure environments” while local communities are seeking “reassurance, clarity, and stability.”
The group said public safety depends on coordination across all levels of government, and urged leaders to communicate responsibly to ease tensions.
A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to preserve all evidence related to the Pretti shooting after Minnesota investigators and prosecutors sought an emergency restraining order, arguing that federal officials had removed or taken exclusive custody of key materials from the scene.
U.S. District Judge Eric Tostrud barred DHS officials and other federal agencies from “destroying or altering evidence related to the fatal shooting,” including evidence that was allegedly removed from the scene or placed in exclusive federal custody.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin rejected suggestions that federal authorities would destroy evidence, telling The Epoch Times in an emailed statement that such claims are ridiculous.
“Any claim that the federal government would ‘destroy’ evidence is a ridiculous attempt to divide the American people and distract from the fact that our law enforcement officers were attacked—and their lives were threatened—yesterday,” McLaughlin said.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison called for an independent investigation, saying federal agents “are not above the law” and that a full and transparent review is “non-negotiable.” (theepochtimes.com)
