New analysis of the shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, shows a major gap between official reports and video evidence. While officials claimed Pretti was armed and aggressive, bystander footage tells a different story.
Verified video shows Pretti standing peacefully for several minutes, using his phone to record the scene. Experts who reviewed the footage note that he did not approach federal agents in a threatening manner. Instead, he simply held his phone up to document the event.
The situation turned physical when an officer pushed Pretti and used pepper spray. Footage shows Pretti raising an empty hand to show he was not a threat while trying to help a woman who had been shoved down. Soon after, several agents tackled him to the pavement.
During the struggle, an officer removed a handgun from Pretti’s waistband. Almost immediately after the weapon was taken away, ten shots were fired in just five seconds. Pretti, who was pinned to the ground by multiple agents, died from several gunshot wounds.
Pretti’s family and former President Barack Obama have called for a full investigation. They argue that the video evidence contradicts the government’s claim of self-defense. The community continues to honor Pretti, remembered as a kind man who dedicated his career to caring for veterans.