Federal Agents Placed On Administrative Leave

Federal agents who fatally shot an unarmed ICU nurse and lawful gun owner in Minneapolis are now on administrative leave, despite initial Border Patrol claims they were merely reassigned—raising serious questions about transparency and use of force against law-abiding American citizens.

Story Snapshot

Two federal agents shot Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old Minneapolis ICU nurse and legal gun owner, during a struggle; DHS report confirms agents yelled “He’s got a gun!” but never states Pretti reached for his weapon.
Civilian videos verified by CBS show Pretti disarmed and holding a phone moments before agents fired, contradicting the perceived threat narrative that justified deadly force.
Border Patrol chief initially claimed agents were reassigned for safety, but officials now confirm both shooters placed on administrative leave—a standard post-shooting protocol that contradicts earlier statements.
Bipartisan lawmakers and President Trump’s border czar Tom Homan are calling for a thorough investigation into the shooting of a U.S. citizen with no criminal record.

DHS Report Contradicts Initial Threat Claims

The Department of Homeland Security submitted a preliminary report to Congress detailing the Saturday shooting of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old Minneapolis ICU nurse who held a valid permit to carry. The report confirms a Border Patrol Agent wielding a Glock 19 and a Customs and Border Protection Officer with a Glock 47 discharged their weapons at Pretti during a struggle. Critically, the DHS timeline notes a BPA yelled “He’s got a gun!” multiple times, yet the report makes no mention of Pretti reaching for his firearm. This omission raises red flags for Second Amendment advocates who see a pattern of federal overreach targeting lawful gun owners.

Video Evidence Challenges Federal Use of Force

Civilian videos verified by CBS News show Pretti holding a cell phone in the moments before the shooting, and an agent emerging with Pretti’s firearm just before the first shot was fired. These videos indicate Pretti was already disarmed when agents opened fire, directly contradicting any justification based on imminent threat. The footage underscores concerns about federal agents’ judgment and adherence to proper use-of-force protocols. For Americans who value due process and the right to self-defense, the shooting of a citizen with no criminal record during what appears to be a routine enforcement operation is deeply troubling and demands accountability.

Border Patrol Chief’s Statement Contradicted by Administrative Leave

Border Patrol chief Gregory Bovino initially stated on Saturday that the agents involved were working in another city for their safety, suggesting a temporary operational reassignment rather than disciplinary action. However, a federal official confirmed to CBS News that both agents have been placed on administrative leave since the incident, a standard protocol following deadly force incidents. This contradiction between Bovino’s public statement and the actual administrative status of the agents erodes trust in federal law enforcement transparency. Administrative leave typically involves surrendering firearms, providing formal statements, and awaiting investigation outcomes—steps that suggest serious scrutiny, not routine reassignment.

Bipartisan Calls for Investigation and Transparency

More than 24 congressional Republicans have joined calls for a comprehensive investigation into the shooting, while President Trump dispatched border czar Tom Homan to coordinate with Minnesota officials. Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey both met with Homan, agreeing on the need for dialogue and transparency. The involvement of Trump’s administration signals federal commitment to accountability, a welcome change for conservatives frustrated by previous administrations’ reluctance to hold federal agencies accountable. The investigation will review body-camera footage, ballistic evidence, autopsy results, and witness statements to determine whether the agents’ actions met legal and ethical standards for use of deadly force.

Federal agents involved in Pretti shooting placed on leavehttps://t.co/SAf0ZcoGbJ pic.twitter.com/txX1rQ9oVh

— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) January 29, 2026

Implications for Federal Operations and Gun Rights

The Pretti shooting highlights broader concerns about federal enforcement operations in urban areas and their impact on constitutional rights. Alex Pretti was a law-abiding citizen exercising his Second Amendment right to carry, yet his lawful possession of a firearm appears to have contributed to a perception of threat that ended his life. Former officials note that comprehensive evidence reviews and local involvement in investigations are essential to rebuilding public trust after such incidents. For conservatives, this case underscores the need for clear use-of-force standards that respect citizens’ constitutional rights and prevent government overreach. The outcome of this investigation may influence future CBP operations and body-camera policies nationwide.