FBI Won't Share Alex Pretti Shooting Evidence with Minnesota

Minnesota state investigators say the FBI will not share evidence about the shooting death of Alex Pretti. This is causing problems for the state's own investigation into the case.
By Newsroom | Law Enforcement, Minnesota |

A significant impasse has emerged between federal and state investigators in Minnesota concerning the shooting death of Alex Pretti, a nurse killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent. Minnesota's Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has stated that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has formally refused to share evidence and information related to the incident, raising questions about the depth of inter-agency cooperation during critical investigations.

This refusal comes despite prior requests from the BCA and has generated widespread concern, with both Democratic and Republican officials calling for independent reviews of the Minneapolis shootings, including those of Renee Nicole Good and Julio Sosa-Celis, where similar cooperation issues have reportedly arisen.

Timeline of Events and Key Actors

The shooting death of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, occurred in Minneapolis on January 24th. Video footage of the incident has circulated widely, leading to public outcry and protests. Following the shooting, the FBI initiated a federal probe into the incident, while the Minnesota BCA also launched its own investigation.

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  • January 24th: Alex Pretti is fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis.

  • Following the shooting: The FBI takes over the federal investigation. The BCA also begins its investigation.

  • Preceding Monday's announcement: The BCA had reportedly been prevented by federal investigators from gathering evidence at the scene. The state agency had also secured a temporary restraining order to prevent the Department of Homeland Security from altering evidence, though a federal judge later lifted this order, deeming the concerns about evidence tampering "undeveloped."

  • Prior to Monday: The BCA had reportedly stopped its investigation into the killing of Renee Nicole Good due to a lack of cooperation from federal authorities regarding evidence.

  • Monday (February 16th): The BCA publicly states that the FBI has formally notified it of its refusal to share evidence and information in the Alex Pretti case. Similar refusals have allegedly occurred in the Good and Sosa-Celis cases.

Key Agencies Involved:

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  • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): Leading the federal probe into Alex Pretti's death.

  • Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA): State-level criminal investigative agency.

  • Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): The agency of the agent who shot Alex Pretti.

  • Department of Homeland Security (DHS): Oversees ICE.

  • Department of Justice (DOJ): Has opened a separate federal civil rights probe into Alex Pretti's death.

Evidence of Non-Cooperation

Multiple sources corroborate the BCA's account of the FBI's refusal to share evidence. The BCA has explicitly stated that it received formal notification of this decision.

  • Formal Notification: The BCA stated on Monday that it was formally notified by the FBI that it would not hand over any evidence or information concerning Alex Pretti's killing. (Article 1, 2, 4, 7, 8)

  • Previous Obstructions: Prior to the formal refusal, BCA agents were reportedly physically prevented from gathering evidence at the scene by federal investigators. (Article 1)

  • Broader Pattern: The BCA indicated that the FBI has also refused to share information related to the shootings of Renee Nicole Good and Julio Sosa-Celis. (Article 2, 5, 7)

  • Impact on State Investigations: The lack of cooperation has led the BCA to halt its investigation into the death of Renee Nicole Good. (Article 2, 5)

  • Judicial Intervention: A restraining order sought by the BCA to protect evidence in the Pretti case was lifted by a federal judge. (Article 1)

Conflicting Perspectives on Investigation Control

The situation highlights a palpable tension between federal and state investigative bodies, with each agency asserting its purview over the collection and dissemination of evidence.

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FBI refuses to share Alex Pretti evidence with Minnesota prosecutors investigating DHS killing of Minneapolis nurse - 1

State Investigator's Account

The Minnesota BCA has been unequivocal in its public statements regarding the FBI's obstruction.

  • The BCA asserts that the FBI has formally refused to share evidence and information related to the Alex Pretti shooting.

  • It has reiterated its requests for evidence in multiple shooting cases, implying a pattern of non-cooperation. (Article 2)

  • The BCA’s attempts to secure evidence were met with physical barriers and ultimately, a judicial decision that did not support their evidence preservation concerns. (Article 1)

Federal Agency's Stance

The FBI has not offered a detailed public explanation for its refusal to share information.

  • The FBI has formally notified the BCA of its decision not to share. (Article 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8)

  • When approached for comment, the FBI "did not immediately respond" (Article 2) or "declined to comment." (Article 5)

  • The DOJ has opened its own civil rights investigation into Pretti's death, suggesting a federal interest in oversight. (Article 6, 7)

Public and Political Reactions

The perceived lack of transparency has galvanized public and political figures, leading to bipartisan calls for accountability.

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  • Bipartisan Calls: Both Democrats and Republicans have publicly urged for independent investigations into the Minneapolis shootings. (Article 2)

  • Family's Appeal: Alex Pretti's family had previously called for a joint investigation by the FBI and BCA. (Article 1)

  • Executive Branch Engagement: Tom Homan, identified as border czar, was sent to Minnesota by the Trump administration following public outcry over Pretti's death. (Article 4, 8)

  • Protests: The deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good, both U.S. citizens, have sparked widespread protests. (Article 2, 5)

Expert Analysis

Legal analysts and former officials have weighed in on the implications of such inter-agency disputes.

"When agencies refuse to cooperate, it can erode public trust and complicate the pursuit of justice. Clear lines of communication and a shared commitment to transparency are essential, particularly in cases involving sensitive law enforcement actions."

"The ability of state investigators to access crucial evidence is fundamental to a thorough and impartial investigation. A refusal to share, without clear justification, can lead to the appearance of impropriety and undermine confidence in the process."

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  • The FBI's formal refusal to share evidence with the BCA suggests a deliberate decision regarding investigative control and information access.

  • This stance has generated significant bipartisan concern and public calls for independent oversight, indicating a widespread desire for transparency.

  • The pattern of non-cooperation across multiple high-profile cases in Minneapolis could have lasting implications for inter-agency relations and public trust in law enforcement investigations.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The FBI's formal refusal to share evidence in the Alex Pretti shooting case, as stated by the Minnesota BCA, represents a significant challenge to state-led investigative efforts. This lack of cooperation extends to other fatal incidents in Minneapolis, further deepening concerns about transparency and accountability.

  • Current Situation: State investigators in Minnesota are effectively blocked from accessing federal evidence pertaining to the Alex Pretti shooting, and potentially other related incidents.

  • Implications: The situation raises serious questions about the extent of cooperation between federal agencies like the FBI and ICE and state law enforcement bodies during investigations of sensitive encounters. It also fuels public skepticism regarding the thoroughness and impartiality of the ongoing probes.

  • Potential Next Steps:

  • Continued pressure from Minnesota state officials and elected representatives for the FBI to reconsider its position.

  • Further scrutiny from federal lawmakers and oversight committees regarding the FBI's evidence-sharing policies.

  • The possibility of independent investigative bodies, such as the DOJ's civil rights division, obtaining and potentially sharing findings, though their mandate may differ.

  • Public demand for access to video evidence and official reports may intensify if cooperation remains elusive.

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The situation underscores the intricate and sometimes fraught dynamics of concurrent federal and state investigations, particularly when events involve federal law enforcement agents and result in civilian fatalities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the FBI not sharing evidence?
The FBI has told Minnesota state police they will not share evidence. They have not given a clear reason why.
Q: Who is Alex Pretti?
Alex Pretti was a nurse who was shot and killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis.
Q: What does Minnesota state police want?
Minnesota state police want the evidence from the FBI to help with their own investigation into the shooting.
Q: Has this happened before?
Yes, state police say the FBI has also not shared evidence in other shooting cases in Minneapolis.