Trump Labels Alex Pretti an Insurrectionist Amid FBI Probe
A political storm erupted as President Donald Trump publicly labeled Alex Pretti an insurrectionist following the release of a controversial video showing the late Minneapolis ICU nurse in a confrontation with federal agents. Trump took to Truth Social on Friday morning, January 30, 2026, to condemn the 37-year-old resident, who was fatally shot by U.S. Border Patrol officers on January 24. Referencing footage from January 13, Trump dismissed portrayals of Pretti as a peaceful protester, calling him a “crazed and out of control” agitator and suggesting that the federal response in Minneapolis was justified.
The newly surfaced video, first published by The News Moment, shows Pretti dressed in winter clothing approaching a government SUV during an anti-ICE demonstration. In the footage, he is seen shouting at the occupants and kicking the vehicle’s taillight, causing visible damage. President Trump described the scene as a display of “abuse and anger” and commended ICE officers for maintaining composure during the incident. His statements have intensified divisions in an already tense national climate following the deaths of Pretti and Renee Nicole Macklin Good, both killed in separate federal enforcement operations this month.
While the Trump administration has framed the shooting as a response to a “domestic terrorist,” the FBI has taken the lead in the investigation to ensure full transparency. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the shift after multiple bystander videos appeared to challenge the initial federal narrative.
- Initial DHS Claims: Officials initially stated that Pretti “brandished” a handgun and “violently resisted” during the January 24 encounter.
- Video Evidence: Verified footage shows Pretti holding only a cellphone while being tackled. Although he legally carried a handgun in his waistband, he did not appear to draw it.
- Legal Defense: Pretti’s attorney, Steve Schleicher, argued that an altercation 11 days prior cannot retroactively justify a fatal shooting when the victim posed no immediate threat.
Before becoming a prominent figure in the “ICE Out” movement, Alex Pretti was a respected ICU nurse at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs hospital. A University of Minnesota graduate with a background in biology and environmental research, he was recognized among colleagues as a compassionate advocate for patients. Dr. Aasma Shaukat, a former mentor, called the “insurrectionist” label deeply unfair, emphasizing that Pretti’s involvement in protests stemmed from a commitment to justice rather than violence.
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Professional organizations, including the Society of Critical Care Medicine and the International Council of Nurses, issued statements mourning Pretti’s death, highlighting the loss of a frontline healthcare worker. As the FBI continues its investigation, congressional leaders from both parties have demanded an impartial review to determine whether federal agents exceeded their authority. Despite mounting scrutiny, the Trump administration remains steadfast, using the January 13 footage to argue that Pretti’s actions justified the federal response.