A nurse has been shot dead by a United States federal agent during a confrontation in Minneapolis, Minnesota, sparking widespread protests and renewed criticism of federal enforcement operations in the city.
The victim, identified as Alex Jeffrey Pretti, was a 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse who worked at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
He was reportedly killed during a protest against federal immigration enforcement activities when an altercation broke out between demonstrators and federal agents.
According to US authorities, the incident occurred while agents were conducting an operation in the city. Federal officials claimed the agent involved acted in self-defence after a confrontation escalated.
However, eyewitness accounts and video footage circulating online have raised questions over the official version of events, prompting calls for an independent investigation.
Following the shooting, protests erupted across Minneapolis and spread to other major US cities, with demonstrators condemning the use of deadly force and demanding accountability from federal authorities.
Protesters also called for an end to aggressive enforcement tactics, describing the killing as unjustified.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced the deployment of the National Guard to assist local law enforcement as tensions rose in the state.
City officials said measures were taken to maintain order while respecting the right to peaceful protest.
The shooting has further intensified public debate over federal law enforcement operations and the use of force during protests.
Civil rights groups, healthcare workers, and community leaders have continued to demand transparency, justice, and reforms as investigations into the incident remain ongoing.
