Federal agents involved in fatal Minnesota shooting placed on administrative leave

ISTANBUL

Two federal immigration officers connected to the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in the state of Minnesota have been placed on administrative leave, according to US media on Wednesday.

The Border Patrol agents have not been publicly identified, NBC News reported, citing Homeland Security Department spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin.

The officers who discharged their firearms in Minneapolis have been removed from active duty, and the agency said it was routine protocol, Fox News reported.

A preliminary review by the agency's internal watchdog found that two federal officers fired their weapons and killed Pretti during an attempted arrest in Minneapolis, but did not indicate that he brandished a weapon during the encounter.

Minneapolis officials said video evidence contradicts the government's initial narrative, claiming Pretti intended to "do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement."

The shooting has heightened tensions in Minneapolis, where Pretti's death followed another fatal shooting of an American by federal agents earlier this month.

Demands for independent investigations and accountability have intensified as local and state leaders question the federal handling of evidence and cooperation with authorities.