As Minneapolis reels from renewed outrage over federal immigration enforcement actions, a key eyewitness to the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti by ICE agents has spoken publicly for the first time, offering a chilling first-hand account of the incident.
‘A normal morning turned into horror’
Stella Carlson, a local community volunteer, said she was on her way to paint children’s faces at church when she encountered the scene on Nicollet Avenue. Wearing a pink jacket, Carlson said she heard whistles — commonly used by community members to warn of immigration activity — and drove towards the commotion.
She saw a scuffle on the road and noticed Pretti directing traffic. “It felt like someone who was assessing risk and trying to be useful in that moment,” she said, describing his calm demeanour.
Video contradicts official claims
Carlson exited her vehicle and began recording. Her footage has since become one of the most crucial visual records of the incident. The video appears to contradict claims by Kristi Noem, who said Pretti had brandished a firearm at agents.
The footage shows Pretti — who reportedly had a valid permit to carry a concealed handgun — assisting a woman who had fallen, while his weapon remained holstered. An officer is later seen removing the gun before Pretti was restrained and shot multiple times.
‘I watched him die’
Recalling the moment of the shooting, Carlson said, “I watched him die. I remember him arching his back and his head rolling back.” She described how officers briefly scattered after the gunfire before returning to attempt medical aid.
She said the manner in which his body was handled deeply disturbed her, adding that it appeared officers were checking the number of bullet wounds.
Community pressure and political fallout
Carlson said she remained at the scene because of the support she felt from community networks built over recent weeks. Her video and the resulting public outrage intensified scrutiny of federal immigration operations in the city.
The backlash led to the White House withdrawing Gregory Bovino, the Border Patrol officer overseeing immigration enforcement in Minneapolis. President Donald Trump later said efforts would be made to “de-escalate” tensions, while First Lady Melania Trump called for peaceful protests.
Pattern of concern in Minneapolis
The incident follows other controversial encounters, including the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, and the detention of young children by ICE officials, further intensifying fears and anger within the community.