A new video angle reveals a federal agent's haunting action moments after Alex Pretti was killed during an ICE protest.
The 37-year-old ICU nurse and US citizen was shot and killed by federal agents in Minneapolis on January 24.
The horrific shooting took place at approximately 9:05AM near Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis, where the agents encountered Pretti while conducting an enforcement operation in the area.
According to DHS, the nurse was allegedly armed with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun and “violently resisted” disarmament. “Fearing for his life and the lives and safety of fellow officers, an agent fired defensive shots," DHS said in a statement.
However, video footage has cast serious doubt on whether Pretti was a threat at the time he was shot.
The Controversial Gesture
Video shared online shows that just moments after Pretti was killed, a Department of Homeland Security officer was seen clapping before turning and walking away.
The clip reveals the officer - wearing a black hoodie and a police vest - arriving at the scene, where Pretti had been tackled to the sidewalk by Border Patrol agents.
Just before the officer reaches the group, a gunshot rings out. Several more follow in quick succession. He claps his hands three times, and then leaves the scene.
DHS Officials Double Down - But Won’t Clarify Timeline
At a press conference, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described Pretti’s presence at the protest as part of a “violent riot,” saying: “I don’t know any peaceful protester that shows up with a gun and ammunition, rather than a sign," per The Mirror.
Pressed by reporters on whether Pretti had been disarmed before he was shot, Noem declined to answer.
“This individual went and impeded their law enforcement operations, attacked those officers, had a weapon on him and multiple dozens of rounds of ammunition, wishing to inflict harm on these officers, coming, brandishing like that,” she said.
Meanwhile, two witnesses who saw the shooting firsthand and provided sworn affidavits as part of an ACLU lawsuit said they never saw Pretti draw a weapon.
Family Calls It ‘Murder’
Pretti’s family issued a scathing statement, accusing the government of a cover-up and calling his death “murder".
"Alex wanted to make a difference in this world. Unfortunately, he will not be with us to see his impact. I do not throw around the hero term lightly. However, his last thought and act was to protect a woman," they continued.
“Our son was not threatening anyone. He was holding his phone and filming. The video shows this clearly,” they said. “The sickening lies told about our son… are reprehensible and disgusting.”
They are now demanding the release of all bodycam footage, radio communications, and a full investigation into every officer involved.