Claims by the Trump administration that a man killed by federal agents was a “domestic terrorist” have unravelled after video footage contradicted official accounts, prompting a rare retreat by the White House.
Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, was shot dead by border patrol agents in Minneapolis last Saturday. Administration figures initially claimed Pretti had brandished a gun and posed an imminent threat.
Multiple videos released by witnesses showed Pretti holding only a mobile phone as agents restrained him on the ground. Footage also showed an officer removing a firearm from near his waist before another agent shot him in the back.
Facing widespread public backlash, including criticism from Democrats and Republicans, Donald Trump distanced himself from statements made by aides including Stephen Miller and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and ordered changes to immigration enforcement leadership in Minneapolis.
Tim Walz said the existence of video evidence was critical, thanking residents who recorded the incident. The case also revived scrutiny of Immigration and Customs Enforcement after a separate shooting involving Renee Good earlier this year.
Conservative media outlets broke ranks, with the New York Post warning Americans were being asked to “not believe their lying eyes”.
Political analysts said the episode marked a rare moment where the administration’s efforts to control the narrative failed to gain traction online, as footage spread rapidly across social media and non-political communities.
