Experts Shred Border Patrol Tactics in Minneapolis Shooting
Federal agents in Minneapolis ignored basic police training at nearly every turn before killing Alex Pretti.
A chorus of law enforcement experts is tearing apart the tactics used by Border Patrol agents, describing the fatal encounter as a masterclass in how not to police. From the moment an agent shoved a bystander—an act experts say was likely unjustified—the situation spiraled due to a lack of de-escalation and clear communication. Instead of professional control, witnesses and video suggest a chaotic free-for-all where agents escalated force immediately rather than attempting to calm the scene.
The physical confrontation itself was described by one expert as “sloppy wrestling,” with agents failing to use standard compliance techniques to secure Pretti. Rather than coordinating to handcuff him, up to six agents acted independently, creating a dangerous dogpile that confused the suspect and the officers alike. One agent was even seen striking Pretti with a chemical spray canister, a move that experts warn is only justified in life-or-death struggles, not for simple non-compliance.
Crucially, the moment the gun was removed from Pretti’s waistband should have lowered the temperature, but the chaos continued. Experts noted that while a concealed weapon complicates things, it doesn’t automatically justify deadly force, especially when the suspect is pinned. As former police chief Jim Bueermann put it, “The fact that that many officers cannot control this guy quickly tells me that their training is lacking.”
Despite the video evidence and expert analysis, the Department of Homeland Security is doubling down, calling the criticism “shameful and laughable.” They insist their agents meet the “highest standards,” a claim that stands in stark contrast to the footage showing agents firing shots even after Pretti appeared motionless on the ground.
Source: The Washington Post
Editor: If your “highly trained” agents look like a bunch of amateurs brawling in a parking lot, maybe don’t call the criticism “laughable.” It’s not a training exercise when someone ends up dead because nobody knew who was in charge or how to use handcuffs. The only thing shameful here is the absolute lack of discipline on display.