MN BCA and Federal Authorities Discussing Pretti Shooting Probe
Published: February 6th , 2026
ST. PAUL, MN — Minnesota’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) says it remains committed to working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Department of Justice on how to proceed with the investigation into the Jan. 24 fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis — but a final plan has not yet been agreed upon.
The state investigative agency reiterated Thursday that it has communicated its willingness to cooperate with federal authorities on cases involving federal agents, a practice the BCA says is consistent with past handling of such incidents. BCA leadership says discussions with the FBI and U.S. Department of Justice are ongoing as officials weigh how to structure the review of the circumstances surrounding Pretti’s death.
The Minneapolis Police Department formally requested that the BCA lead the investigation of the incident involving federal agents, which unfolded just after 9 a.m. on the 2600 block of Nicollet Avenue South. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office officially identified the victim as 37-year-old Alex Jeffrey Pretti on Feb. 2.
BCA agents from the Force Investigations Unit began an independent inquiry immediately after the shooting and have been collecting witness accounts, physical evidence and video recordings related to the incident. Superintendent Drew Evans emphasized the need for a thorough, objective and transparent process that meets Minnesota’s investigative standards and earns public trust. “A cooperative approach helps ensure Minnesotans can trust the outcome of this review,” Evans said in a statement.
Pretti’s death — one of two fatal shootings by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis in January — has drawn intense public scrutiny, protests and debate over the role of federal immigration enforcement in the city. In the wake of the incident, activists and community members have held vigils and demonstrations, and questions continue about how the case will be investigated and reviewed.
Federal authorities, including the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, have separately announced reviews of the case, though the exact division of responsibilities between federal and state investigators remains unsettled.
The BCA is urging anyone with information on the case to come forward. Members of the public can contact the BCA at 651-793-7000 or via email at bca.tips@state.mn.us.