Trump Says His Administration is “Reviewing Everything” After Alex Pretti was Shot

US President Donald Trump says his administration is “reviewing everything” following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old intensive care nurse Alex Pretti by immigration agents in Minneapolis on Saturday.

In comments to the Wall Street Journal, Trump indicated that he would eventually withdraw federal agents from the city but did not specify a timeline.

Protests continued in Minneapolis and other cities on Sunday, as Minnesota Governor Tim Walz described the nation as being at an “inflection point.”

The details surrounding the incident—the second fatal shooting by federal agents of a US citizen in recent weeks—remain contested, fueling tensions between state and federal officials. The administration has defended the agent involved, with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claiming Pretti was “brandishing” a firearm. Local authorities dispute this, stating that the gun was legally registered and that Pretti was shot after it was removed.

Trump told the Wall Street Journal, when asked whether the agent acted appropriately: “We’re looking, we’re reviewing everything and will come out with a determination.” He added: “I don’t like any shooting. I don’t like it. But I don’t like it when somebody goes into a protest and he’s got a very powerful, fully loaded gun with two magazines loaded up with bullets also. That doesn’t play good either.”

Pressure has mounted on the administration from both Democrats and some prominent Republicans, calling for a full investigation. Senator Bill Cassidy urged a joint federal and state inquiry, while Congressman James Comer, an ally of Trump, suggested relocating immigration agents from Minneapolis, citing risks to their safety and the potential for further casualties.

Trump reiterated that federal agents had done “a phenomenal job” but said they would eventually leave. Over the weekend, multiple vigils were held for Pretti in Minneapolis.

Protesters of all ages rallied under slogans such as “No more Minnesota nice – Minneapolis on strike” and “ICE out now.” Community leaders and residents condemned the actions of federal agents, highlighting Pretti’s status as a lawful gun owner with no criminal record beyond minor traffic violations.

The shooting has sparked a nationwide debate over immigration enforcement, the Second Amendment, and federal oversight. While some polls suggest about half of Americans support Trump’s efforts to deport undocumented immigrants, the public remains divided on the methods being used.

Business leaders, including CEOs from 3M, Best Buy, and Target, called for de-escalation and cooperation between state and federal authorities to prevent further violence. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said state officers were blocked from accessing the scene by federal agents, complicating investigations.

Trump’s administration has defended the operations in Minneapolis as a public safety measure targeting criminals, while critics argue that law-abiding citizens and immigrants with no criminal history are being affected. Pretti’s family condemned the administration’s characterization of him as a “domestic terrorist,” emphasizing that he had no criminal record and urging the public to know the truth about their son.

Minnesota officials, including Walz, described the incident as a test of national unity, warning that divisions over the treatment of citizens could have far-reaching consequences. Republican leaders, including Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt and Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy, echoed concerns over accountability and federal tactics.

Former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama also criticized the events, with Clinton describing them as “horrible scenes” that should not occur in America. Meanwhile, Trump demanded cooperation from governors and mayors nationwide and called for an end to sanctuary city policies, blaming them for ongoing conflicts between federal agents and local communities.

The latest shooting follows ongoing tensions in Minneapolis between ICE agents and Somali and other immigrant communities, part of a wider federal crackdown on individuals suspected of being in the US illegally.