Minnesota examining ‘all legal avenues’ for FBI evidence in Alex Pretti case
Minnesota investigators are pursuing all legal avenues to access evidence related to Alex Pretti’s death during an ICE operation, after the FBI refused to share materials with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). BCA Superintendent Drew Evans called the FBI’s refusal “concerning and unprecedented” and said the agency would continue seeking relevant records. He added that the BCA remains willing to share facts and would welcome a joint investigation if the FBI’s position changes. The report also notes concerns about potential bias in FBI investigations into Pretti and another ICE-related shooting (Renee Good) due to prior statements by Trump administration officials, and highlights Minneapolis Mayor jacob Frey’s push for BCA involvement to ensure a fair process.
Minnesota investigators examining ‘all legal avenues’ after accusing FBI of withholding evidence in Pretti case
The FBI formally rejected Minnesota state investigators’ request to access evidence related to Alex Pretti’s death that occurred during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement-related operation, according to officials.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has sought to access evidence and information related to the federal government’s investigation into Pretti’s Jan. 24 death.
On Monday, BCA Superintendent Drew Evans said the agency was notified by the FBI the previous day that it would not provide BCA with any information or evidence collected in relation to Pretti’s death. Evans described the development as “concerning and unprecedented,” and pledged to continue to pursue “all legal avenues to gain access to relevant” records.
“Our agency has committed to the FBI and Department of Justice that should its stance change, we remain willing to share information that we have obtained with that agency and would welcome a joint investigation,” he said in a statement.
In an investigation probing a similar lethal encounter with ICE, in the Renee Good case, the Trump administration argued that state investigators did not hold jurisdiction over the investigation.
State Democrats had expressed concern that the FBI’s investigations into Pretti and Good would be biased due to statements the Trump administration made before the inquiry unfolded. A top adviser to President Donald Trump claimed Pretti was an “assassin,” while Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem characterized Pretti and Good as domestic terrorists immediately after the shootings.
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Democratic Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has been among state officials pushing for BCA to be involved with the shooting investigation.
“Our ask is to embrace the truth,” Frey said in early January, after Good was shot dead. “Our ask is to include the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension in this process because we, in Minneapolis, want a fair investigation.”
The Washington Examiner reached out to the FBI for comment.
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