US Department of Justice Launches Civil Rights Investigation into Fatal Shooting of Minneapolis Nurse Alex Pretti

EXCERPT: The US Department of Justice (DoJ) has initiated a federal civil rights investigation into the fatal shooting of Minneapolis nurse Alex Pretti by immigration officers, as protests in the city continue to escalate.

CONTENT:

On a chilling Saturday in Minneapolis, the life of Alex Pretti, a dedicated and compassionate nurse, was abruptly cut short. The tragic event unfolded as immigration officers encountered the 37-year-old outside a local bar, leading to a fatal shooting that has since sparked intense protests and calls for justice.

The US Department of Justice (DoJ) has taken notice of this controversial incident, announcing on Friday that they would be launching a federal civil rights investigation into the shooting. The announcement was made by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche during a press conference in Washington D.C.

"We're looking at everything that would shed light on that day," Blanche stated, emphasizing the department's commitment to uncovering all relevant details surrounding the shooting.

Alex Pretti's tragic demise occurred on January 30, 2026, near the popular neighborhood of Uptown. According to witnesses, Pretti was socializing at a local bar when a verbal altercation ensued between her and the officers. The situation quickly escalated, resulting in the fatal shooting.

The news of the DoJ's investigation comes as protests in Minneapolis continue to intensify. Demonstrators have taken to the streets, demanding accountability and justice for Pretti's death. The protests have been marked by acts of civil disobedience, including road blockages and clashes with law enforcement.

The Minneapolis Police Department has yet to release the names of the officers involved in the shooting, citing ongoing investigations. The local authorities have also declined to comment on the specifics of the incident, referring all inquiries to the DoJ.

Pretti's tragic death has resonated deeply within the Minneapolis community, with friends, family, and colleagues expressing shock and disbelief. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to support her family during this difficult time, raising over $100,000 in just a few days.

The DoJ's civil rights investigation is expected to cover every aspect of the shooting, including a thorough examination of the officers' actions, their use of force, and the circumstances leading up to the fatal encounter. The investigation is a significant step towards bringing clarity to the situation and providing answers to the questions that have left the Minneapolis community in mourning.

As the city grapples with the aftermath of Pretti's death, tensions remain high. The DoJ's investigation, however, offers a glimmer of hope that justice will be served, and that the tragic events of that fateful Saturday will not be forgotten.

Sources:

• The Guardian. (2026, January 30). US DoJ opens federal civil rights investigation into killing of Alex Pretti. Retrieved February 1, 2026, from https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/30/alex-pretti-doj-civil-rights-investigation