Family Discussion: Second Fatal Minneapolis Shooting
The following article is designed to help parents dialogue about a current event with their children. It was written at a 7th grade reading level.
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Federal officers fatally shot a man during an immigration operation in Minneapolis on Saturday. His name was Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen and ICU nurse.
What happened?
Videos show Pretti filming ICE agents with his phone. Pretti appears to try to help a woman who was pushed to the ground by an ICE agent. An officer appears to pepper-spray Pretti in the face and pull him to the ground. Several agents surround Pretti, then multiple gunshots are fired.
The videos have fueled different accounts of whether the officer’s actions were justified.
What are the dueling accounts?
On Saturday, DHS Secretary Noem said Pretti’s actions were “domestic terrorism.” She said Pretti had a “semi-automatic handgun” and suggested he intended to “kill law enforcement.” Noem said the officer “fired defensive shots” after Pretti “violently resisted” being disarmed.
Minnesota Governor Walz (D) called the DHS’s account “nonsense.” He demanded President Trump remove the “3,000 untrained agents” from Minnesota so they don’t “kill another American.” Pretti’s parents say that their son was “clearly not holding a gun when attacked.”
This week, the White House has softened its defense of the Border Patrol agents, and the two who fired their guns have been placed on administrative leave. Officials say they want to “let the facts and the investigation lead.”
What now?
President Trump is replacing the controversial head of Minneapolis ICE ops with a more moderate leader. Trump and Democratic leaders in Minneapolis are now talking and cooperating.
Federal officials are investigating the shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Governor Walz says Minnesota will also “conduct independent investigations.”
RADIATE HOPE
Believers can help calm tension in our communities by meeting anger with compassion and humility. Whether you’re out demonstrating, mourning with a frustrated friend in your living room, or watching from the sidelines, you are in a place to share hope.
REFLECT
What do I want to make sure my kids know in light of this story?
One reason the unrest, violence, and fear in Minneapolis is upsetting is because it's a jarring departure from our typical experience.
While we mourn it and seek to calm the tension in our communities, allow the unrest to remind you of all the brothers and sisters in Christ around the world for whom violence and fear are a daily experience. Their homelands are chaotic; they fear for their lives when they gather for worship; their families are not safe.
Hebrews tells us to “Remember… the mistreated, as though you yourselves were suffering bodily” (13:3 CSB). Pray for them and give thanks for the good news of Jesus, which promises a good ending and comfort while we wait.
What might my kids misunderstand about this story?
We can’t do much about most of what is in the news. And that’s okay.
When my only options to get involved in an issue are to contact my representative or pray, then it’s time to accept that I can’t impact the situation directly. A Senator could do something, and God could do something… but we alone can’t.
God has placed you and me in positions to make a real impact in many lives and situations… they’re just rarely in the news. To make a meaningful difference in our own spheres of influence—even if that sphere is just within our own families—sometimes we have to do nothing about the news.
RESPOND
Make a list of the people and situations you do have influence over: family, friends, teammates, coworkers, neighbors… Consider the impact you are having currently and decide on one step you can take to show Jesus to them.
Memorize 1 John 2:8-10 “The darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. The one who says he is in the light but hates his brother or sister is in the darkness until now. The one who loves his brother or sister remains in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him” (CSB).
Pray with us: Good Shepherd, we come to You in a dark valley; lead us beside quiet waters and still our burdened souls. With Your goodness and mercy, relentlessly pursue those who are mourning. Lead law enforcement in paths of righteousness, that they will be fearless when confronting wolves but discerning and gentle when they meet lambs. Still the anxiety, anger, and fear in Minneapolis and across the country. Give investigators insight and give courts discernment, and grow Your people’s faith that You will soon right every wrong. May we be beacons of light and hope while we wait on You. Amen.
Credit: Decaf (The Pour Over for Families). "Minneapolis Updates." January 29, 2026.