Feds Urged to Release Evidence in Local Investigation
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty has formally demanded that federal authorities turn over evidence in the shooting death of Alex Pretti by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer, escalating a jurisdictional dispute that threatens to stall the local investigation. The demand, made public Monday, centers on access to critical evidence collected by the FBI, which took the lead on the investigation following the February 6th shooting in Minneapolis.
The conflict stems from the FBI’s decision not to collaborate jointly with state and local investigators, effectively excluding them from key aspects of the probe. According to a statement released by Moriarty’s office, the county attorney is seeking all evidence related to the shooting, including body camera footage, ballistic reports, and witness statements, to independently assess whether criminal charges are warranted against the ICE officer involved. Sahan Journal reported on the escalating tensions between state and federal authorities.
The FBI’s decision to conduct a separate investigation has raised concerns among Minnesota officials, who argue it hinders transparency and accountability. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison echoed these concerns, stating that the lack of access to evidence prevents a comprehensive review of the circumstances surrounding Pretti’s death. The situation is further complicated by reports that the FBI has informed Minnesota investigators they are unable to access the evidence due to the ongoing federal investigation. PBS News detailed the limitations placed on state investigators.
The shooting occurred during an encounter between Pretti and ICE officers attempting to arrest him on outstanding warrants. Details surrounding the incident remain limited, but authorities have confirmed that Pretti was armed. The Hennepin County Attorney’s office is as well investigating the separate shooting of Renee Good, which occurred just days before Pretti’s death, and is facing similar obstacles in obtaining evidence from federal authorities. FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul reported on Moriarty’s demand for evidence in the Good shooting.
Federal officials have not publicly responded to Moriarty’s demands, and the FBI has maintained its position that the investigation is ongoing. The Detroit News reported that federal authorities have “formally excluded Minnesota officials from the Alex Pretti shooting investigation.” The Detroit News has the latest on the federal exclusion of Minnesota officials.
The legal battle over evidence preservation is ongoing, with state and federal authorities clashing in court over access to key materials. The outcome of this dispute will likely determine whether Minnesota officials can independently investigate the shooting and potentially pursue state-level charges against the ICE officer involved.