Eyewitness Offers New Perspective on the Fatal Shooting of Alex Pretti
What unfolded on Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026, has sparked national outrage and ongoing debate. Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse working with veterans, was fatally shot by federal immigration agents during an enforcement operation. While authorities initially claimed self-defense, new details from a key eyewitness suggest a more complex story.
Stella Carlson, who recorded the incident, has provided firsthand insight into the chaotic moments leading up to Pretti’s death. According to Carlson, Pretti was attempting to assess the situation and guide bystanders to safety after witnessing a woman being pushed and sprayed. Footage she captured shows Pretti holding only a phone at the time he was restrained, challenging official claims that he posed an immediate lethal threat. Authorities later removed a legally owned firearm from his waistband only after he was already on the ground.
The incident follows heightened tensions in Minneapolis after the earlier death of Renee Good during a federal enforcement action. Community monitoring networks have since become active, documenting interactions between residents and federal personnel. Carlson, a participant in such networks, emphasized that her awareness of potential risks influenced how she positioned herself and recorded events. She has provided a sworn statement but has yet to be contacted by federal investigators.
The conflicting accounts have intensified debates over immigration enforcement, use of force, and civilian oversight. Pretti’s family insists he was a devoted nurse with no violent history, and local leaders are calling for independent investigations to ensure accountability. The incident has heightened mistrust among residents and raised broader questions about transparency, proportionality of force, and preventing future tragedies.
Conclusion
The shooting of Alex Pretti highlights the delicate balance between federal enforcement and public oversight. Eyewitness accounts like Stella Carlson’s shed light on the human realities behind official narratives, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability. As investigations continue, the community’s demand is clear: a thorough examination of actions taken, lessons learned, and measures implemented to prevent similar tragedies in the future.