Border Patrol defends fatal shooting of Alex Pretti
Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino defended agents involved in the fatal shooting of 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti, saying the agents “did a good job.”
Pretti, pronounced dead at the scene, was reportedly trying to help a woman pushed into the snow by an agent when he was pepper-sprayed, tackled, and shot multiple times. Reports suggest he was legally carrying a firearm, though he may have been disarmed before being shot. His family rejects the government’s account, with his father calling him a caring man opposed to ICE actions.
Bovino blamed Pretti, claiming the “suspect put himself in that situation” and praised agent training for preventing injuries to law enforcement. When pressed about video suggesting Pretti was disarmed, he said investigations would reveal the facts.
His remarks have drawn widespread criticism online. President Donald Trump weighed in cautiously, emphasizing review of the incident, noting the protest context, and sending border czar Tom Homan to Minnesota to oversee the situation. Trump also mentioned ongoing scrutiny of Congresswoman Ilhan Omar amid unrest in the state.