President Donald Trump said his administration is conducting a full review of a fatal shooting involving a Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis, declining to say whether the officer acted appropriately. The incident, which occurred during a protest this week, resulted in the death of 37-year-old Alex Pretti.
In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Trump avoided directly answering questions about whether the agent’s actions were justified, stating instead that officials are “reviewing everything” and will eventually reach a conclusion. While several members of the administration have described the shooting as self-defense, the president stopped short of endorsing that assessment.
Trump expressed concern about firearms being present at protests, saying he does not support shootings of any kind but also criticized Pretti for carrying a gun during the demonstration. Federal authorities later confirmed that Pretti was legally licensed to carry the firearm, which was recovered at the scene.
The Department of Homeland Security said the agent fired defensively after perceiving a threat. However, that account has been challenged by critics and witnesses who point to video footage showing Pretti filming ICE officers moments before the confrontation escalated. Those critics argue the use of force was excessive and are calling for an independent investigation.
The shooting has further intensified tensions in Minneapolis, which has seen weeks of unrest connected to federal immigration enforcement operations. It follows another recent incident in which a federal officer fatally shot a local resident during a separate protest, deepening public concern and scrutiny.
Lawmakers from both parties, including several Republicans, have urged investigations into the actions of federal agents in Minnesota. Despite defending the federal law enforcement presence, Trump suggested it may not be permanent, saying officers could eventually withdraw after completing what he described as a successful operation.
The incident continues to fuel debate over protest policing, immigration enforcement, and federal authority in U.S. cities.