U.S. News
Federal Judge Orders DHS To Save Shooting Evidence
Clear Facts
- A federal judge mandated the Department of Homeland Security preserve all evidence regarding the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by a Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis.
- Judge Eric Tostrud issued a temporary restraining order prohibiting DHS from destroying or altering materials connected to the January 24 incident.
- DHS officials deny any intention to destroy evidence and emphasize the ongoing investigation.
The Department of Homeland Security faces court-ordered oversight after the shooting of Alex Pretti by a Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis. Judge Eric Tostrud’s temporary restraining order locks down any potential evidence from the January 24 incident.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Hennepin County attorney’s office, and state attorney general’s office sued DHS, ICE, Customs and Border Protection, and U.S. Border Patrol to secure evidence.
The court set a hearing for Monday to consider extending protections on the evidence.
State officials claimed federal agents blocked them from the scene even though a signed warrant had been obtained.
“Any claim that the federal government would ‘destroy’ evidence is a ridiculous attempt to divide the American people and distract from the fact that our law enforcement officers were attacked — and their lives were threatened — yesterday.”
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated, “We are actively investigating this matter and will continue to do so as we do for any officer involved shooting.”
Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana described the situation as “incredibly disturbing” and asserted the “credibility of ICE and DHS are at stake.”
Pretti, an ICU nurse, had no criminal history besides minor traffic stops and owned a firearm legally.
According to DHS, Pretti approached agents with a 9mm handgun and resisted disarmament efforts. However, bystander videos reviewed have not shown him displaying a firearm prior to the shooting.
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