Minneapolis Faces Federal Scrutiny After Fatal Shooting

Minneapolis is grappling with heightened tensions and federal scrutiny following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, by federal agents on Saturday, January 24, 2026. The incident has sparked outrage and conflicting accounts, prompting state officials to seek an independent investigation and raising concerns about the Trump administration's immigration policies.

The shooting occurred amidst increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in the city, leading to protests and clashes between federal agents and local residents. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), an agent fired in self-defense after Pretti, who they claimed had a handgun, resisted attempts to disarm him. However, eyewitness accounts and bystander videos contradict this version of events. Multiple videos show Pretti filming with his phone when officers pepper-sprayed him and grappled him to the ground. Some videos also appear to show an agent disarming Pretti before the shooting.

Minnesota officials are pushing to ensure they can help investigate the shooting. After a late night court filing a federal judge granted them a temporary restraining order, ruling that no Homeland Security officer can destroy or alter evidence related to the death Saturday morning. Federal investigators have refused to allow access to the scene, despite the state obtaining a search warrant.

The incident has drawn sharp criticism from political figures. Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen called for the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, accusing her of attempting to mislead the public about the shooting. A House resolution to launch impeachment proceedings against Noem has the support of more than 100 Democrats.

Minnesota's business community, which had been largely silent amid President Trump's immigration crackdown, issued a plea for peace. In an open letter from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, more than 60 CEOs called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions and for state, local, and federal officials to work together to find real solutions.

The shooting in Minneapolis is part of a broader series of events that are raising concerns about civil liberties and international relations under the Trump administration. These events, coupled with the expansion of the Mexico City Policy and a new National Defense Strategy, suggest a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy priorities and its global leadership role.

Global tensions are further heightened by Trump's threat to impose a 100% tariff on Canadian goods if the country strikes a trade deal with China. Trump said in a social media post that if Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney "thinks he is going to make Canada a 'Drop Off Port' for Chinese goods, he is sadly mistaken!"

In other news, the world mourned the death of Sir Mark Tully, the BBC's "voice of India," who died at the age of 90. Tully spent decades reporting on India, covering major events like the Bhopal gas tragedy and the demolition of the Babri mosque.

Meanwhile, in Taiwan, American rock climber Alex Honnold ascended the Taipei 101 skyscraper without any ropes or protective equipment. Cheers erupted from a street-level crowd as he reached the top of the spire of the 508-meter (1,667-foot) tower about 90 minutes after he started. "It was like what a view, it's incredible, what a beautiful day," he said afterward.