Minnesota takes rare legal steps to ensure probe of Alex Pretti shooting

The state of Minnesota is taking the unusual step of filing a formal request for a federal grand jury investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents in South Minneapolis. This move, confirmed by the Minnesota Attorney General's office, represents a rare use of state authority to push for federal scrutiny of a law enforcement shooting.

The shooting occurred on January 24, 2026, when federal agents confronted Pretti in South Minneapolis. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has been leading the state-level investigation, but the Attorney General's office determined that a federal grand jury probe could provide additional resources and authority. Federal grand juries have broader subpoena power and can compel testimony from witnesses who might otherwise refuse to cooperate with state investigators.

This approach is uncommon because state and federal investigations typically run in parallel or defer to one another. By formally requesting a federal grand jury, Minnesota is essentially asking the U.S. Department of Justice to take a more active role. The federal government would need to agree to the request, which involves a review by the U.S. Attorney's Office and potentially the DOJ's Civil Rights Division.

The case has already drawn significant political attention. U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar and other Minnesota Democrats were blocked from visiting ICE facilities following the shooting, as reported by Axios Twin Cities on January 10. The incident occurred during a federal operation, which complicates jurisdictional questions. Federal agents are generally not subject to the same state-level use-of-force investigations as local police, creating a gap in accountability that Minnesota's legal strategy aims to address.

The BCA's investigation continues alongside this federal request. State investigators have been collecting forensic evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing any available body camera or surveillance footage from the South Minneapolis neighborhood. The federal grand jury request, if accepted, would run concurrently and could potentially lead to federal charges if evidence of civil rights violations or other federal crimes emerges.

This legal strategy reflects broader national debates about police accountability, particularly when federal agents are involved in fatal incidents. The Justice Department has historically been reluctant to bring charges against federal officers, with prosecutions remaining rare even in high-profile cases. Minnesota's approach tests whether state pressure can influence federal decision-making in law enforcement oversight.

The outcome of this request could set a precedent for how states handle incidents involving federal law enforcement. If successful, it might encourage other states to pursue similar strategies when local investigations face jurisdictional limitations. The case also underscores the complex interplay between state and federal authority in criminal justice, particularly in an era of increased federal law enforcement presence in local communities.

For now, the BCA continues its investigation while Minnesota awaits a response from federal authorities on the grand jury request. The Pretti family and community advocates have called for transparency and accountability, placing pressure on both state and federal officials to provide clear answers about the circumstances of the shooting.