Federal Investigation Launched into Alex Pretti Shooting; Former CNN Host Faces Charges
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched a civil rights investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, the US deputy attorney general announced. The FBI will lead the investigation, with support from the DOJ's Civil Rights Division, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Todd Blanche, speaking for the DOJ, characterized the investigation as "a standard investigation by the FBI when there are circumstances like what we saw." Pretti's death occurred weeks after Renee Good was also fatally shot by federal officers in the same city.
In a separate incident, former CNN host Don Lemon was arrested and will face federal charges after allegedly disrupting an anti-immigration enforcement protest at a Minnesota church. Lemon, now working as an independent journalist, was taken into custody by federal agents on Thursday, according to his lawyer Abbe Lowell. Lowell stated, "Don will fight these charges vigorously and thoroughly in court." A DHS spokesperson said Lemon is being charged with "conspiracy to deprive rights" and "violation of the FACE Act," accusing him of interfering with First Amendment rights. Lemon, 59, is scheduled to appear in court later.
Meanwhile, in New York, Luigi Mangione, accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson, will not face the death penalty if convicted. US District Judge Margaret Garnett dismissed the federal firearms charges against Mangione, 27, which carried the possibility of the death penalty. Mangione will still face stalking charges, which carry a maximum punishment of life in prison. Mangione was arrested days after he allegedly shot Thompson as he walked into a New York City hotel on December 4, 2024. He has pleaded not guilty to all federal and state charges. Mangione's attorney, Karen Agnifilo, thanked the court for "this incredible decision."
In Florida, a couple is suing a fertility clinic, alleging they gave birth to a baby that is not biologically related to them. Steven Mills and Tiffany Score gave birth to a "beautiful, healthy female child" in December. However, the couple, who are both White, noticed their daughter appeared to be "racially non-Caucasian" and ordered genetic testing, which confirmed she was not their biological child, according to court documents. The lawsuit claims the Fertility Center of Orlando somehow implanted the wrong embryo.
Also in Florida, former President Donald Trump filed a lawsuit against the IRS and the Treasury Department in federal court in Miami, demanding at least $10 billion in damages. Legal experts have described the lawsuit as creating an "enormous conflict of interest," as it involves federal agencies being sued by the head of the executive branch. Richard Painter, the chief White House ethics lawyer in the George W. Bush administration, called it "an enormous conflict of interest."
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