MINNEAPOLIS — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security declined to clarify or amend public statements made by Kristi Noem regarding the January 24, 2026 fatal shooting of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, despite being presented with video evidence that appears to materially differ from the official account.
On January 27, True Signal Media contacted the Department of Homeland Security Office of Public Affairs seeking confirmation as to whether DHS continues to stand by or wished to amend Secretary Noem’s public characterization of the incident. The inquiry focused on three specific points:
- The sequence of events leading to the discharge of weapons
- The threat posed by Mr. Pretti at the moment shots were fired
- Agent actions immediately following the shooting
The request cited the emergence of multiple videos that appear to contradict the timeline and threat assessment described by federal officials and offered DHS the opportunity to identify any portions of the public record that should be updated or corrected.
DHS was advised that, absent clarification by January 29 at 8:00 a.m. Central Time, True Signal Media would note that the agency declined to amend or clarify its prior statements.
No response was received.
What the Record Shows
Secretary Noem’s initial public remarks described the shooting as a response to a perceived threat during an encounter with federal agents.
Video footage reviewed by True Signal Media shows Mr. Pretti carrying a holstered firearm during critical moments preceding the use of lethal force. The footage does not show the weapon being drawn, while agent actions and positioning differ from the sequence described in public statements.
True Signal Media asked DHS directly whether its understanding of the incident had changed in light of this evidence. That question went unanswered.
Opportunity Declined
The inquiry was not a demand for comment, but an opportunity to correct or clarify the public record prior to publication. DHS chose not to do so.
As of publication, DHS has issued no correction, clarification, or updated statement regarding Secretary Noem’s characterization of the shooting.
True Signal Media has submitted multiple Freedom of Information Act requests seeking body-worn camera footage, incident reports, use-of-force reviews, and internal communications related to the Pretti shooting. Reporting will continue as records are released.
DHS, through public statements made by Secretary Kristi Noem, described the January 24, 2026 shooting of Alex Jeffrey Pretti as a response to a perceived threat during an encounter with federal agents.
Video reviewed by True Signal Media shows Mr. Pretti carrying a holstered firearm during key moments before lethal force was used. The footage does not show the weapon being drawn, while agent positioning and actions differ from the publicly described sequence of events.
No. True Signal Media contacted DHS before publication and asked whether the agency stood by Secretary Noem’s public characterization or wished to amend the record. DHS did not respond by the stated deadline.
To provide DHS an opportunity to clarify or correct the public record before publication, rather than relying on speculation or post-publication response.
True Signal Media has submitted FOIA requests seeking body-worn camera footage, incident reports, use-of-force reviews, and internal communications related to the shooting.