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Updated January 27, 2026 - The White House has softened its response to the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis, moving away from initial claims that the victim was a terrorist after videos contradicted official statements.
Initial response draws criticism
Within hours of the shooting on Saturday, the Trump administration labeled 37-year-old Alex Pretti a "domestic terrorist" and "would-be assassin." Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem alleged Pretti intended to "inflict harm," while U.S. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino described the incident as an attempt to "massacre law enforcement."
This narrative mirrored the administration's reaction to a similar shooting three weeks earlier in Minneapolis, where federal agents killed Renee Good. In both cases, local officials, eyewitnesses, and families disputed the federal government's account.
"The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting."
Statement from Pretti's parents, Sunday
Videos contradict federal claims
Footage circulating online shows Pretti filming Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents with his phone before being pepper-sprayed and wrestled to the ground. He was not holding a weapon at the time of the altercation, though the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) later stated he carried a legally owned 9mm handgun and ammunition.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara criticized the federal response, noting his department made hundreds of arrests last year without lethal force. "People have had enough," he said. "This is not sustainable."
Administration pivots amid political fallout
By Sunday, the White House abandoned its aggressive stance. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declined to endorse senior adviser Stephen Miller's earlier remarks, instead promising a "full investigation." President Trump later called Pretti's death "tragic" on Truth Social, blaming "Democrat ensued chaos."
Trump also dispatched former ICE official Tom Homan to Minnesota, tasking him with overseeing law enforcement efforts. Homan, known for a more measured approach than recent administration figures, will report directly to the president. "Tom is tough but fair," Trump wrote.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison suggested Homan's involvement could open dialogue: "I don't want to foreclose the possibility that reasonable minds can prevail."
Partisan tensions escalate
Republicans have joined Democrats in criticizing the administration's handling of the shooting. Vermont Governor Phil Scott called federal actions "a complete failure of coordination," while Utah Senator John Curtis criticized Noem's "premature" statements for undermining public trust.
Congressional Homeland Security leaders announced plans for public hearings. Meanwhile, Senate Democrats vowed to block Department of Homeland Security funding, risking a government shutdown Friday unless ICE accountability measures are implemented.
"These repeated incidents of violence are unlawful, needlessly escalatory, and making all of us less safe."
Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii)
Political stakes high as public opinion shifts
A CBS poll conducted before the shooting found 61% of Americans believe ICE is "too tough" in detentions, with 58% disapproving of Trump's immigration policies overall. The administration's aggressive enforcement remains a core issue for Trump's base but faces growing scrutiny.
Trump's call with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz-described as "very good"-signaled a potential de-escalation, though Democrats remain under pressure to oppose the administration's rhetoric. The standoff underscores the political risks for both parties as they navigate law enforcement, immigration, and public safety ahead of the 2026 midterms.
