In a significant development for the investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, Sky News and independent OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) analysts have confirmed the authenticity of a viral video showing the ICU nurse in a confrontation with federal agents.
The footage, captured on January 13, 2026—exactly 11 days before Pretti was killed—has been the subject of intense online debate, with some supporters of the federal agents claiming the video was an “AI deepfake” or “hallucination” designed to provoke unrest.
The OSINT Findings
Sky News producers and digital forensic experts, including Professor Hany Farid from UC Berkeley, analyzed the original source files and metadata.
100% Authenticity: The analysis confirmed the video is real, though it was noted that some “AI-enhanced” still images circulating on social media contained artifacts (like missing limbs) that fueled the initial deepfake rumors.
The Interaction: The footage shows Pretti yelling at federal vehicles at the intersection of 36th and Park in Minneapolis. He is seen spitting toward a vehicle and kicking out a taillight as it drives away.
The Escalation: Agents are seen exiting the vehicle, tackling Pretti to the ground, and deploying pepper balls. Notably, while Pretti had a holstered handgun in his waistband, the video confirms it remained holstered throughout the struggle.
Release & Departure: Following the scuffle, agents allowed Pretti to leave the scene without making an arrest at that time.
DOJ Civil Rights Probe
On January 30, 2026, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announced that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has officially opened a federal civil rights investigation into Pretti’s death. This marks a major reversal from the administration’s initial stance that the shooting was a clear-cut case of self-defense.
The Current State of the Investigation
| Component | Status |
| FBI/DOJ Role | Leading a civil rights probe into whether federal agents used excessive force. |
| DHS Role | Conducting an internal “use of force” review regarding protocol adherence. |
| Evidence Order | A federal court has ordered federal agencies not to destroy any evidence, including dashcam or bystander video. |
| Agent Status | The agents involved have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the probe. |
Political & Community Reaction
The video’s confirmation has only deepened the divide in Minneapolis, which has been under heavy federal “Operation Metro Surge” presence since the killing of Renee Good earlier in January.
The Administration’s View: President Trump labeled Pretti an “agitator and perhaps, insurrectionist,” suggesting the video proves he was not a “peaceful protester.”
The Family’s View: Attorneys for the Pretti family argue that an altercation involving a taillight 11 days prior does not justify the use of deadly force on the day he was killed, especially since he was reportedly attempting to protect a woman when he was shot.
Local Leadership: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey addressed the video during a CNN Town Hall, urging people to “believe your own two eyes” regarding the circumstances of the final shooting.
“The existence of this video doesn’t change the facts of what happened 11 days later. You cannot be killed for something that happened nearly two weeks ago.” — Jacob Frey, Mayor of Minneapolis
