by Guy Page
After Minneapolis anti-ICE activist Renee Good was shot and killed as her car struck an ICE agent earlier this month, some Vermont elected Democrat leaders called it an act of murder. Following the weekend shooting death of a Minneapolis man struggling physically with federal authorities, Gov. Phil Scott and other elected Vermont Republicans are using the ‘murder’ word too.
He called for a pause on all immigration detention operations and urged Congress and the courts to “step up to restore constitutionality” in case of “absence of Presidential action.”
Homeland Security authorities immediately portrayed Alex Pretti, 37, as an armed domestic terrorist who threatened federal agents. Other observers say he was no longer armed with his pistol when he was shot to death. Several videos of the incident – here and here are two examples on X – have been seen on social media.
In the days since, social media users and independent observers have circulated alternative explanations of what may have occurred during the chaotic encounter.
One widely shared account suggests that during the struggle, one or more ICE officers shouted “gun,” prompting another officer to draw a weapon. According to this version, Pretti’s sidearm was removed by an officer who then walked away, but the weapon discharged negligently. Some commentators point to the Sig Sauer P320 handgun, which has been the subject of lawsuits and controversy over unintentional discharges, typically when dropped. The theory suggests the discharge may have led other agents to believe Pretti was firing, resulting in what they perceived as a justified use of deadly force. “If this is what happened, it’s an incredibly unfortunate accident,” one commenter wrote.
In a media statement released over the weekend, Gov. Scott said that regardless of the precise sequence of events, the outcome was unacceptable. “Enough…it’s not acceptable for American citizens to be killed by federal agents for exercising their God-given and constitutional rights to protest their government,” Scott said.
“At best, these federal immigration operations are a complete failure of coordination of acceptable public safety and law enforcement practices, training, and leadership,” he continued. “At worst, it’s a deliberate federal intimidation and incitement of American citizens that’s resulting in the murder of Americans. Again, enough is enough.
“The President should pause these operations, de-escalate the situation, and reset the federal government’s focus on truly criminal illegal immigrants. In the absence of Presidential action, Congress and the Courts must step up to restore constitutionality.”
Lieutenant Governor John Rodgers echoed Scott’s remarks in a public statement.
“Thank you, Governor Scott, for your courageous leadership,” Rodgers said. “I stand with you, as all law-abiding Americans should, in calling on the President to suspend the operations of federal agents in our communities, de-escalate the situation, and reset the federal government’s focus on truly criminal illegal immigrants.”
Rodgers added that he was urging lawmakers to intervene if the executive branch does not. “I urge my colleagues in the Judiciary and Congress to assert your constitutional authority to restore order and calm if the Executive will not. Everyone’s constitutional rights must be protected. Not one more American should die at the hands of federal government agents. Not a single one.”
Meanwhile, the state of Minnesota has filed suit against the federal government following Pretti’s death. The lawsuit, brought by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office, alleges that federal immigration officers shot and killed Pretti on a public street in Minneapolis on Jan. 24, 2026, and then prevented state and local authorities from investigating the shooting.
According to the complaint, when state investigators arrived at the scene, federal personnel ordered them to leave and denied access to the area and to critical evidence. Federal agents reportedly seized cell phones and detained witnesses. Minnesota officials argue that it remains unclear whether the scene was properly processed or evidence preserved before federal agents departed, allowing the perimeter to collapse and increasing the risk that key evidence was lost or contaminated.
The shooting has also prompted commentary from Vermont media figures. Ross Connolly, retired editor and publisher of the Hardwick Gazette, weighed in with a letter to the editor published in the Vermont Daily Chronicle.
“No judge. No jury. No trial.
Put him on the ground.
Shoot him.
He’s dead,” Connolly wrote, underscoring concerns about due process and the use of lethal force.
At least one GOP lawmaker reposted Scott’s statement with approval. “I agree with Gov. Scott’s statement below. Enough is enough,” Rep. Carolyn Branagan (R-Georgia) wrote on social media over the weekend.
Branagan’s endorsement drew praise from some constituents but criticism from others. Former Chittenden County Senate candidate Rohan Isloved faulted Branagan, Scott and other state leaders for what he described as years of inaction on border security. “Why didn’t you urge Biden to secure the borders?” Isloved wrote. “Why are residents of Vermont bearing the financial burden for undocumented immigrants? Let’s be frank… this situation didn’t arise overnight; it was Scott’s silence and backing of Biden that contributed to this issue. So let’s not place the blame on Donald J. Trump.”