Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse at a Veterans Affairs hospital, was shot and killed on Saturday during a protest.
Federal officials claimed he assaulted officers, forcing them to act in self-defense. But videos show Pretti holding a phone, not a weapon, as agents approached, the Reuters news agency reported.
"The victims are Border Patrol agents," said Gregory Bovino, a senior Border Patrol official, on CNN.
'Videos speak for themselves'
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem echoed that claim. However, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara called the federal account "deeply disturbing," adding: “The videos speak for themselves.”
Footage shows Pretti filming as agents push protesters to the ground. He raises his arm while being pepper-sprayed, then is taken to the ground by several agents. One agent appears to retrieve a gun from Pretti’s waistband. Moments later, another agent fires several shots into Pretti's back.
Authorities later confirmed Pretti had a legal concealed carry permit.
The incident sparked renewed protests on Sunday, with thousands chanting “ICE Out!” in freezing temperatures.
It follows another fatal shooting by immigration agents in the city earlier this month.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called for federal agents to be withdrawn.
A federal judge has issued an emergency order preventing the Trump administration from altering or destroying evidence related to the killing.
Former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton both condemned the deaths of Pretti and another civilian, Renee Good.
“This has to stop,” the Obamas said in a statement.
Pretti’s colleagues held a vigil at the site of the shooting. “He was caring and he was kind,” one nurse said, crying.
At a press conference, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said the killing had shaken the healthcare community.
“They took this hit to one of their own very personally,” he said.
(jh)
Source: Reuters, Euronews, PAP