MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — What began as a chilly, calm Saturday on Minneapolis' 'Eat Street' escalated into chaos when a federal immigration officer shot and killed a man, leading to intense protests by the community.
Just hours after the shooting, hundreds gathered to confront federal agents, demanding justice for what they termed unnecessary violence. The incident resonates with ongoing tensions regarding immigration enforcement in the area, following a series of recent protests against such actions.
As emotions surged, protesters clashed with law enforcement for several hours, leading to confrontations marked by the deployment of tear gas and flashbang grenades. Activists erected a makeshift memorial for 37-year-old Alex Pretti, the victim of the shooting, laying flowers and candles at the site.
The protests drew parallels to the outcry that followed George Floyd's death in 2020, signaling a community still grappling with issues of police violence and systemic racism. Minneapolis police chief Brian O’Hara acknowledged the challenges faced and the need for balancing safety with the protestors' rights to demonstrate.
As evening fell, the atmosphere remained somber as community members maintained a vigil for Pretti, united in their grief and frustration over perceived injustices.
