US DoJ opens federal civil rights probe into Alex Pretti killing

Announcement comes as protests continue in Minneapolis over the fatal shooting

Jan. 30, 2026 at 3:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The US Department of Justice has opened a federal civil rights investigation into the killing of Alex Pretti, a 32-year-old Black man shot and killed by police in Minneapolis. The announcement was made by the Deputy Attorney General as protests continue in the city over Pretti's death.

Why it matters

The federal probe signals the Justice Department is taking a close look at the circumstances surrounding Pretti's killing and whether any civil rights violations occurred. This comes amid ongoing community outrage and demonstrations over police use of force against people of color in Minneapolis.

The details

According to authorities, police were responding to a call about a disturbance when they encountered Pretti, who they say was armed. Pretti was shot and killed during the encounter, though details remain unclear. The DOJ investigation will examine all evidence and testimony to determine if any federal civil rights laws were violated.

  • The incident occurred on January 15, 2026 in Minneapolis.
  • Protests have been ongoing in the city since Pretti's death.

The players

US Department of Justice

The federal agency responsible for enforcing civil rights laws and investigating potential violations.

Alex Pretti

A 32-year-old Black man who was fatally shot by police in Minneapolis.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're looking at everything that would shed light on that day,”

— Deputy Attorney General (The Guardian)

What’s next

The DOJ investigation is expected to take several months to complete. Protesters have vowed to continue demonstrations until there is accountability for Pretti's death.

The takeaway

This federal civil rights probe underscores the ongoing scrutiny and demands for reform around police use of force, particularly against people of color, in cities like Minneapolis that have seen high-profile incidents of violence.