Federal immigration agents shot and killed an American citizen in Minneapolis, sparking violent protests and a strong response from local authorities. This is the second such incident in the US this month.
The Department of Homeland Security stated that the agents acted in self-defense, claiming that the man who was shot approached them with a gun and violently resisted attempts to disarm him.
But videos released by witnesses, verified by Reuters, appear to refute the official version. In the footage, the victim — Alex Pretti, 37, an intensive care nurse — is seen holding a phone, not a gun, as he tries to help other protesters who are being pushed by officers.
In the video, Pretti is seen trying to intervene to protect several women from the use of force. He is sprayed with tear gas, then tackled to the ground by the agents. Moments later, shots are heard, and Pretti is shot multiple times.
After the incident, hundreds of protesters gathered in the area to oppose federal immigration operations. Protests also spread to New York, Washington DC and San Francisco.
The mayor and state governor called for a halt to immigration operations in the city, while President Donald Trump accused local leaders of "fomenting rebellion."
