Eyewitness Doctor’s Court Filing: ICE Agents Focused on Counting Bullet Wounds Instead of CPR After Alex Pretti Shooting

Minneapolis, MN — A detailed court filing from a physician who witnessed the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Minneapolis ICU nurse Alex Jeffrey Pretti has drawn fresh scrutiny to the federal response following the deadly incident on January 24, 2026. According to the sworn declaration, federal agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol did not administer life-saving measures after Pretti was shot, but instead appeared to be counting his bullet wounds — a claim that contradicts official statements and has intensified public debate about the use of force and emergency response in the case.

Pretti, who worked at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Minneapolis, was shot and killed during a controversial federal operation in the Whittier neighborhood that has triggered protests and legal challenges. The case has become a focal point in broader discussions over law enforcement tactics, civil liberties, and accountability in federal immigration enforcement.

The Physician’s Court Declaration

The physician, whose identity is redacted in the court documents filed in federal district court, said they rushed to the scene after hearing a commotion of honking cars and shouting. The account, part of a larger lawsuit challenging ICE’s use of force, provides one of the most detailed first-hand descriptions of what unfolded after Pretti was shot.

“In the chaos, I informed the ICE agents that I am a physician and asked to assess the victim,” the doctor wrote. Initially, the agents did not allow them through, repeatedly asking for a physician’s license despite the witness identifying themselves as a medical professional. Eventually, after being patted down to ensure they were unarmed, the physician was permitted to approach Pretti.

According to the declaration, the physician was struck by the manner in which Pretti was positioned and the apparent lack of basic medical intervention. “I saw that the victim was lying on his side and was surrounded by several ICE agents,” the witness said, noting that this was unusual for someone who had been shot. Standard medical protocol for a shooting victim typically involves checking for a pulse and initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Instead, the physician wrote, the agents seemed focused on counting Pretti’s wounds.

“Checking for a pulse and administering CPR is standard practice,” the document states. “Instead of doing either of those things, the ICE agents appeared to be counting his bullet wounds.” When the doctor asked if the victim had a pulse, the agents reportedly said they did not know, indicating that no assessment had been undertaken.

Extent of Pretti’s Injuries and Medical Response

The physician’s filing detailed multiple gunshot wounds sustained by Pretti. After requesting the officers turn him from his side to his back, the doctor observed “at least three bullet wounds in his back,” as well as an additional wound on his upper left chest and another possible injury to the neck.

Upon determining that Pretti had no pulse, the physician immediately began CPR until emergency medical services (EMS) arrived and assumed care. The court filing noted that this was the first instance of CPR being administered by anyone on the scene.

The physician described the scene as extremely distressing, and said they were “sobbing and shaking uncontrollably” after returning to their apartment. According to the declaration, tear gas later infiltrated the building from nearby protests, prompting the doctor to seek refuge elsewhere.

Disputed Narratives and Official Statements

The physician’s account sharply contrasts with initial statements from federal authorities. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE have characterized Pretti’s shooting as an act of self-defense, asserting that he posed a threat to agents. Senior officials, including DHS leaders, described Pretti as “brandishing” a weapon and reacting violently toward law enforcement — a portrayal that has been heavily contested.

Video footage and sworn eyewitness testimony, including that of the physician, challenge these claims. One witness reported seeing Pretti holding a phone and attempting to help another individual before he was shoved to the ground and shot multiple times. In sworn affidavits, witnesses stated that Pretti did not demonstrate any violent intent toward officers, contradicting the account provided by DHS.

Legal Actions and Broader Implications

The physician’s declaration was submitted alongside other affidavits as part of a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) against Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and other officials overseeing the federal immigration operation in Minneapolis. The lawsuit alleges civil rights violations and challenges the legality of the use of force in the incident.

In filing the complaint, legal advocates argue that the conflicting narratives and apparent lack of immediate medical care raise serious questions about the conduct of federal agents and adherence to established protocols for handling wounded individuals. The filing seeks greater transparency and accountability for the actions taken before and after the shooting.

Public and Political Reaction

The case has sparked strong reactions nationwide. Local and state leaders have criticized the actions of ICE and Border Patrol, with Minnesota officials calling for an independent investigation. Demonstrations and vigils have taken place in Minneapolis and beyond as community members express grief and demand truth and accountability.

Civil liberties advocates have emphasized that the conflicting accounts highlight broader concerns about federal law enforcement tactics, particularly in urban settings where enforcement operations intersect with civilian populations. Human Rights Watch and other organizations have documented additional videos and statements that challenge the official narrative, noting discrepancies in the use of force and emergency response.

Community Impact and Legacy

Pretti’s death has had a profound impact on his community, particularly among healthcare workers and veterans he served as an ICU nurse at the Veterans Affairs hospital. Colleagues and patients remember him for his dedication to care and professional demeanor, and his death has sparked calls for reflection on the role of caregivers in public life and their treatment during crises.

Family members have also voiced their grief and frustration, asserting that Pretti was a compassionate individual who cared deeply for others. They have denounced what they describe as misleading statements about his actions and motivations on the day he was killed.

As investigations continue, the physician’s detailed account remains a key element in ongoing legal and public debates. The juxtaposition between the physician’s description of events — including the focus on counting bullet wounds rather than performing CPR — and official assertions underscores the complexity and controversy surrounding Pretti’s death.
Conclusion

The sworn declaration from a physician who sought to help Alex Pretti after he was fatally shot by federal agents has raised critical questions about the conduct of law enforcement and the medical response in the aftermath. With conflicting narratives from government officials and first-hand witnesses, the case continues to unfold in courts and public discourse. The testimony that agents appeared to prioritize counting bullet wounds over administering life-saving CPR has become a central part of the broader examination of how Pretti’s death occurred and what it reveals about law enforcement practices in contentious enforcement operations.