White House Holds 1st Briefing After Shooting Death of Alex Pretti, 3 Federal Investigations Underway January 27, 2026
The White House held its first official briefing on January 27, 2026, three days after Border Patrol agents fatally shot 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced three separate federal investigations are underway examining the January 24 shooting.
Leavitt’s statement marked a shift from the administration’s initial characterizations of Pretti, with the White House expressing sympathy for those killed while federal investigations proceed.
What the White House Said About Alex Pretti’s Shooting and Federal Investigations
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters during the January 27 briefing that “nobody in the White House, including President Trump, wants to see people getting hurt or killed in America’s streets.” This includes Pretti and Renee Nicole Good—another U.S. citizen fatally shot by federal agents in Minneapolis on January 7—”and the brave men and women of federal law enforcement.”
Leavitt confirmed three separate federal reviews are underway. The Department of Homeland Security is conducting an investigation, the FBI is investigating the incident, and Customs and Border Protection is conducting an internal review. “As President Trump said yesterday, the administration is reviewing everything with respect to the shooting, and we will let that investigation play out,” Leavitt stated.
How the White House Tone Changed From Initial Administration Statements
The White House briefing contrasted sharply with how administration officials first reacted to the shooting. Stephen Miller, Trump’s homeland security adviser, called Pretti a “domestic terrorist” and accused him of being an “assassin” attempting to “murder federal agents” without offering evidence.
Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino claimed Pretti may have been intending to “massacre law enforcement.” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claimed Pretti had been “brandishing” a weapon and reacted “violently” to officers’ disarmament attempts.
Video evidence analyzed by multiple news outlets including Reuters, BBC, The Wall Street Journal, and Associated Press contradicted many of these claims. Videos show Pretti holding up a phone as the confrontation begins and appear to show one officer removing a weapon from Pretti’s person before any shots were fired.
What Happened During the January 24 Border Patrol Shooting of Alex Pretti
On January 24, 2026, at 9:05 a.m. CST, Border Patrol agents shot and killed Alex Jeffrey Pretti at the intersection of 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis’s Whittier neighborhood. Pretti was filming federal officers with his phone during protests against immigration enforcement operations.
Video recordings verified by Reuters, BBC, The Wall Street Journal, and Associated Press show Pretti recording agents alongside legal observers. Twenty-eight seconds before the first shot, an agent pushed a legal observer wearing an orange backpack. Pretti moved to the sidewalk attempting to help two people being pushed by agents.
How Federal Agents Engaged With Alex Pretti Before the Fatal Shooting
Bystander video shows Pretti standing between an agent and a woman the agent had pushed to the ground, putting his arm around the woman. He was subsequently pepper-sprayed and wrestled to the ground by several federal agents. Approximately six agents surrounded Pretti when he was shot.
Video appears to show an agent removing a gun and moving away from Pretti less than one second before another agent fires. The New York Times reported that two officers appear to have fired at least ten shots at Pretti over five seconds.
Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino stated the officer who shot Pretti had been serving with Border Patrol for eight years with “extensive training as a Range Safety Officer.” As of January 25, all agents present at the shooting scene remained on the job, though they were placed on administrative duty and relocated out of Minneapolis for officer safety.
What Legal Experts Say About the Use of Deadly Force Against Alex Pretti
Chuck Wexler, executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum, stated video of the killing “raises a lot of questions” and the reason officers perceived a threat requires further investigation. Former Boston police commander Tom Nolan characterized the shooting as evidencing poor training and inexperience by immigration officers interacting with demonstrators.
Former DHS counterterrorism official Jason Houser stated the shooting fits a broader pattern of undertraining and lack of coordination. Criminologist Tod Burke questioned the necessity of lethal force after Pretti’s firearm was removed from reach. Former New Jersey state trooper Mickie McComb stated deadly force was not justified given Pretti being disarmed.
What You Must Know About Federal Shooting Investigations and Legal Accountability
Federal officer-involved shootings trigger multiple investigative processes examining whether agents violated federal law, agency policies, or constitutional rights. Understanding how states handle self-defense laws and firearm regulations in ohio provides context for evaluating when lethal force is legally justified.
The FBI investigates potential civil rights violations under 18 U.S.C. § 242, which criminalizes deprivation of rights under color of law. This statute applies when federal officers use excessive force or violate constitutional protections. Convictions require proving officers willfully violated clearly established rights.
DHS Office of Inspector General conducts independent reviews of serious incidents involving DHS personnel. CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility handles internal reviews examining whether agents followed agency use-of-force policies and training protocols.
How Video Evidence Affects Federal Shooting Investigations and Potential Liability
Bystander video and body camera footage provide critical evidence in federal shooting investigations. The White House confirmed DHS possesses body camera footage of the Pretti shooting, though it has not been publicly released as of January 27, 2026.
Video contradicting official statements creates liability risks for federal agencies and individual officers. When video shows officers using force against individuals who pose no imminent threat, prosecutors may pursue criminal charges and families may file civil rights lawsuits under 42 U.S.C. § 1983.
What to Do If Federal Agents Violate Your Civil Rights During Immigration Enforcement
Document interactions with federal agents by recording video when safe to do so. Supreme Court precedent in Glik v. Cunniffe (2011) established First Amendment protections for recording police officers performing duties in public spaces.
If you witness federal agents using excessive force, contact the DHS Office of Inspector General at 1-800-323-8603 or report online at oig.dhs.gov. File complaints with the FBI’s Civil Rights Division and local law enforcement agencies investigating the incident.
When to Contact a Civil Rights Attorney After Federal Agent Misconduct
Consult a civil rights attorney experienced in federal officer misconduct cases if you or family members were injured during federal enforcement operations, if federal agents violated constitutional rights during arrests or searches, or if family members were killed during encounters with federal agents.
Wrongful death claims against federal officers must be filed within specific deadlines. The Federal Tort Claims Act requires filing administrative claims with the relevant federal agency within two years of the incident. Civil rights lawsuits under § 1983 face varying statutes of limitations depending on state law where the violation occurred.
Frequently Asked Questions About the White House Briefing on Alex Pretti’s Shooting
What Did the White House Say About Alex Pretti’s Shooting?
The White House held its first briefing on January 27, 2026, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating “nobody in the White House, including President Trump, wants to see people getting hurt or killed.” She announced three federal investigations are underway—DHS, FBI, and CBP internal review—examining the January 24 shooting.
Who Was Alex Pretti and Why Was He Shot by Border Patrol?
Alex Jeffrey Pretti was a 37-year-old ICU nurse for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. He was filming Border Patrol agents with his phone during protests in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026, when agents shot and killed him. Video evidence shows Pretti standing between agents and protesters being pushed to the ground.
What Investigations Are Examining Alex Pretti’s Shooting?
Three federal investigations are underway: the FBI is investigating potential civil rights violations, DHS is conducting an investigation, and Customs and Border Protection is conducting an internal review. President Trump stated “we’re reviewing everything and will come out with a determination.”
Did Video Evidence Contradict Federal Officials’ Statements About the Shooting?
Yes. Video analyzed by Reuters, BBC, The Wall Street Journal, and Associated Press appears to contradict initial claims that Pretti “brandished” a weapon or posed a threat. Video shows Pretti holding a phone and appears to show an agent removing a gun from Pretti before another agent fired shots.
What Legal Accountability Do Federal Agents Face for Shootings?
Federal agents can face criminal prosecution under 18 U.S.C. § 242 for willfully depriving individuals of constitutional rights. Families can file civil rights lawsuits under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 for excessive force violations. DHS Office of Inspector General and agency internal affairs conduct administrative reviews that can result in disciplinary action.
How Did the White House Response Change From Initial Administration Statements?
Initial statements from Stephen Miller called Pretti a “domestic terrorist” and “assassin.” Kristi Noem claimed Pretti “brandished” a weapon. The January 27 White House briefing adopted a softer tone, expressing sympathy for those killed and stating the administration is “reviewing everything.”
Last Updated: January 27, 2026
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about the White House briefing and federal shooting investigations and is not legal advice. Individuals affected by federal agent misconduct should consult qualified civil rights attorneys for case-specific guidance.
If you or family members experienced civil rights violations during federal enforcement operations, document all incidents, file complaints with DHS OIG and FBI Civil Rights Division, and consult a civil rights attorney to understand your legal options.
Stay informed, stay protected. — AllAboutLawyer.com
Sources Cited:
- White House Press Briefing, January 27, 2026 (Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt)
- CNBC: “White House dials back Trump admin’s tone on Alex Pretti killing” (January 27, 2026)
- The Hill: “Live updates: White House says 3 federal reviews underway after Alex Pretti killing” (January 27, 2026)
- Reuters, BBC, The Wall Street Journal, Associated Press: Video analysis of January 24, 2026 shooting
- 18 U.S.C. § 242 (Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law)
- 42 U.S.C. § 1983 (Civil Rights Liability)
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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