In both the Renee Good and Alex Pretti cases, opinions remain sharply divided over what actually happened when the fatal shots were fired.
Despite countless videos documenting the events, two camps have formed: those who believe federal agents acted appropriately, and those who argue the deadly shootings were completely unjustified.
Recently, someone asked an AI system who was “at fault” in the ICE shooting of 37‑year‑old Alex Pretti — and the answer surprised many.
Gunshots can be heard
ICU nurse Alex Pretti was shot and killed by a federal officer in Minneapolis on January 24, marking the city’s second fatal encounter involving federal agents this month. Renee Nicole Good, a mother of three, had been killed by ICE agent Jonathan Ross on January 7.
Pretti later joined protests over Good’s death.
His father said his son “cared deeply about people and was very upset with what ICE was doing in Minneapolis and across the US.”
Footage shows Pretti being brought to the ground by several ICE officers, and in a video taken from a nearby shop, gunshots can be heard. The Department of Homeland Security stated on X that federal agents were conducting a targeted operation against an undocumented immigrant “wanted for violent assault” when “an individual approached US Border Patrol officers with a 9 mm semi‑automatic handgun.”
DHS claimed one of the agents fired in self‑defense after Pretti — who they said was armed — resisted efforts to disarm him.
However, eyewitnesses, several officials, and Pretti’s family have disputed that account.
AI answers
After reviewing the footage, someone asked an AI system who was “at fault,” and the response drew widespread attention. ChatGPT reviewed multiple bystander videos from different angles and analyzed the sequence of events.
The system concluded that Pretti was holding a phone — not a weapon — before agents engaged him. It noted that several officers wrestled him to the ground, and he “appeared to be shot while he was pinned to the ground.”
The AI also observed that federal claims suggesting Pretti approached agents with a firearm contradict the visual evidence from bystanders. While a gun was recovered later, video analysis indicates it was not in his hands during the confrontation. ChatGPT also commented on the NRA’s intervention, stating:
“It pushes the needle further away from justifying the shooting rather than toward it.”
Although no legal ruling has been issued, the AI system suggested that primary responsibility appeared to rest with the federal agents. It stated:
“Lethal force was not justified under standard law‑enforcement protocols,” which require an immediate threat to life before deadly force can legally be used.
The AI concluded that the standard for justified deadly force was not met in the shooting of Alex Pretti — but once the analysis went public, many people on social media strongly disagreed.
One commenter wrote: “Who cares what AI says, look at the video and believe your eyes!” mocking the bot’s judgment.
Another argued: “Trumpet is at fault.. he sent them in..,” shifting blame toward political leadership.
A third added: “The shooting was wild and out of control one bullet would have stopped any more conflict if they felt justified enough. This was an execution.”
And a fourth said: “So AI understands the law better than the current administration. Figures.”
Protests erupt across the US
Following Pretti’s killing, protests broke out in multiple cities, including Minneapolis, New York City, San Francisco, Boston, Providence, and Washington, DC. Demonstrators had already taken to Minneapolis streets the day before to oppose ICE actions. Livestreams captured crowds chanting, “F*** ICE, ICE out.”
In New York City, thousands gathered in Union Square shouting, “Say it once, say it twice, we will not put up with ICE.” Hundreds rallied outside the Department of Homeland Security in Washington, DC, chanting “shame” in the cold night.
A “domestic terrorist”
Meanwhile, President Trump and MAGA supporters have labeled Pretti a “domestic terrorist” and defended the agents as acting in self‑defense.
Yet reports indicate that Pretti legally carried a firearm under the Second Amendment and did not brandish it in a threatening manner.
Even the National Rifle Association (NRA) criticized the government’s rhetoric, calling it “dangerous and wrong.”
The group stated, “Responsible public voices should be awaiting a full investigation, not making generalizations and demonizing law‑abiding citizens.” They emphasized that Pretti was within his rights to possess and carry a firearm.
Officials from the Department of Homeland Security say they are gathering statements from witnesses and reviewing video footage to determine what happened. Meanwhile, a federal judge took rare legal action over the weekend to protect key evidence.
On Saturday, a Minnesota judge issued a temporary restraining order preventing federal agencies — including Homeland Security — from destroying, altering, or tampering with any evidence connected to the shooting. This includes material taken from the scene or held exclusively by federal authorities.
The “border czar” to Minnesota
As protests continue, President Donald Trump announced he is sending White House “border czar” Tom Homan to Minnesota to address tensions after the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti. Trump wrote on Truth Social:
“He has not been involved in that area, but knows and likes many of the people there. Tom is tough but fair, and will report directly to me.”
In a separate post on X, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Homan will be on the ground managing ICE operations with a focus on enforcement:
“[Homan will continue arresting the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens.]”
