DHS investigating whether Alex Pretti’s gun accidentally fired — and sparked deadly Minneapolis shooting: sources

NY Post ^ | January 26, 2026 | Reuven Fenton, Chris Nesi and Anthony Blair

[DoodleBob]

The Department of Homeland Security is investigating whether an errant shot from Alex Pretti’s handgun — after it was taken off of him — caused Border Patrol agents to think they were being fired on, The Post has learned.

As a result of the accidental discharge, which happened while the gun was in a Border agent’s hand, other officers may have believed their lives were in danger — resulting in the split-second decision to open fire on Pretti, killing him, multiple sources familiar with the investigation said.

The explanation is a shift from initial claims by DHS officials, who at first said Pretti was brandishing the Sig Sauer P320 pistol, which he was legally allowed to carry.

“It was 100% an accidental discharge by the agent that relieved that person of their weapon. Because everyone’s guns were out, they think that there’s a shooting,” one source said.

Additional sources confirmed that this is the explanation for the shooting that DHS is investigating.

The Sig Sauer P320 has faced reports of “uncommanded discharges” due to external factors affecting the trigger, something the company has denied.

The handgun, which is used extensively by US civilians and law enforcement — including ICE, has no external safety lever.

Border Patrol officers in Minneapolis were wrestling Pretti to the ground in Minneapolis Saturday after he turned out for an impromptu anti-ICE protest.

Pretti put himself between the federal agents and a woman who was being pepper-sprayed, video from the scene shows. An analysis of the bystander footage indicates that one shot appeared to come from Pretti’s gun after a Border Agent grabbed it from his waistband and was walking away with it.

That shot resulted in other agents… to open fire about 10 times.

---

TOPICS: Crime/Corruption; News/Current Events; US: Minnesota
KEYWORDS: alexchosepoorly; alexpretti; antifa; banglist; darwinaward; deadbolshevik; ice; keystonecops; keystonetroll; resistingarrest; sigsauer; sigsauerp320; stupiditykills; treadonmedaddy; treadonthetrolls; wasntunderarrest; whynotzottrolls

[DoodleBob]

This was covered comprehensively in an outstanding video posted by marktwain yesterday.

This appears to be good evidence of an unintentional discharge of Pretti’s Sig handgun. A series of unfortunate events, brought about by highly organized insurrectionists trying to destroy the Republic.

My addition to your theory is: The leftwing establishment has grown so dependent on the enormous fraud/theft of tazpayer money, they are terrified of being exposed.

The riots are a desperate attempt to divert attention, delay, and hope to discredit/intimidate the Trump administration to prevent serious investigation of the fraud/theft.

[DoodleBob]

Ping. And thank you.

[Just mythoughts]

The actual part of pretty’s crime was to ‘carry’ without ‘papers’. And NO. identification nothing else matters

[asinclair]

Does anyone else experience a flashback to Kent State during the Vietnam War demonstrations?

[DIRTYSECRET]

Doesn’t matter. The left won’t believe it.

[A_perfect_lady]

He was also reaching around for that empty holster. Officers hear “GUN GUN GUN,” then see you reaching, and hear a gun shot... yeah, they’re going to fire.

[Parmy]

I have never had an unintentional gun discharge while I was holding it in any position. I have had guns discharge when I pulled the trigger. (P) I couldn’t see clearly, but it looked like he had his finger on the trigger. That is dangerous when running and being jostled.(P)Maybe some one has a better view of the situation.

[Governor Dinwiddie]

Pretti Soy Boy was armed while committing a felony. Sorry pal. Bzzzzt.
You played the game and lost. Sad for you, there aren't any "do-overs".

[SpaceBar]

This asshole Pretti was far far from minding his own business.

He went looking for trouble, and found it.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Make someone fear for their lives and find out.

[shadeaud]

Sounds like the Alex Baldwin theory

[Alberta's Child]

The "crime" really isn't the story here.

I've spoken to several people who are on top of these things from a responsible gun owner's perspective, and there's a general consensus among them that this Pretti guy took a number of steps that collectively ended up being grossly negligent and irresponsible for someone in his position.

1. Yes, he had every right to carry a firearm.

2. No, he shouldn't have needed "papers" to prove that -- in this particular situation (where he wasn't even in a position to produce such "papers" anyway).

3. But almost everything he did in that situation flies in the face of what gun owners are taught in every civilian firearms training course about carrying a concealed weapon.

[piasa]

I think the woman had already been pepper sprayed and shoved to the side before he arrived …

[Presbyterian Reporter]

just posted on CFP

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/two-federal-agents-fired-their-weapons-during-alex-pretti-shooting-report-congress-says/

[E. Pluribus Unum]

https://x.com/i/grok/share/57da38184cf44835a8a9db705391f774

The Sig Sauer P320 has been the subject of significant controversy regarding uncommanded discharges (also called unintentional or accidental discharges without a deliberate trigger pull). This issue has led to numerous reports, lawsuits, injuries (including some fatalities), and restrictions by law enforcement agencies.

Background on the IssueThe P320 is a modular striker-fired pistol widely used by civilians, law enforcement, and the U.S. military (as the M17/M18). Reports of uncommanded discharges date back to around 2016–2017, initially tied to a drop-fire problem where early models could discharge if dropped at certain angles.

• In 2017, videos and incidents showed the gun firing when dropped, prompting SIG Sauer to launch a voluntary upgrade program (not a recall) for pre-August 2017 pistols. This included lighter trigger components, a reduced-mass striker and sear, a secondary safety notch, and a mechanical disconnector to improve drop safety and overall performance.

• SIG Sauer maintains that post-upgrade P320s (and all current production models) cannot discharge without a trigger pull, passing rigorous testing beyond industry standards. They attribute incidents to user error, improper holsters, foreign objects entering the trigger guard, or other mishandling.

Ongoing Reports and ClaimsDespite the upgrade, allegations persist of uncommanded discharges, even in holstered guns (e.g., while holstering, sitting in a vehicle, or minor bumps). Key points from various sources:

• Investigations (e.g., by The Washington Post/The Trace in 2023) documented over 100 claims of uncommanded firings, with at least 80 injuries (including many law enforcement officers). Some occurred on post-upgrade or updated guns.

• Recent incidents (2024–2025) include videos of holstered discharges (e.g., security guards, officers), fatal shootings (e.g., an Air Force airman in 2025 initially linked to an M18, though later details suggested other factors), and injuries to civilians and officers.

• Agencies have responded variably: Some (e.g., ICE in 2025, certain police departments, Washington State training commission) paused, banned, or replaced P320s; others continue use. IDPA banned P320s in competitions in 2025 due to visibility of reports.

Legal DevelopmentsOver 100 lawsuits have been filed against SIG Sauer alleging defective design (e.g., the striker is "effectively fully cocked" at rest, lacking certain safeties found in competitors like Glock). Outcomes are mixed:

• Some juries awarded damages (e.g., $11 million in one 2024–2025 case for a holstered discharge; $2.35 million in another).

• Others were dismissed, with plaintiffs or courts acknowledging no discharge without trigger pull, or SIG prevailing.

• SIG Sauer has won dismissals in several cases (e.g., 2025 federal rulings) and denies defects, calling many claims unsupported or motivated by profit/personal avoidance of responsibility.

• Class actions and multi-plaintiff suits continue (e.g., 22 plaintiffs in 2025 from multiple states).

SIG Sauer's Official StanceFrom their site: The P320 cannot discharge without a trigger pull under any circumstances. They emphasize multiple safeties, rigorous testing, and that no one (including plaintiffs' experts) has reliably replicated a true uncommanded discharge in controlled conditions. Incidents are blamed on external factors.

RecommendationsIf you own a P320:

• Check your serial number on SIG's site for upgrade eligibility (free if pre-2017).

• Use compatible holsters that fully cover the trigger guard.

• Follow strict firearm safety rules (treat as loaded, finger off trigger until ready to fire).

• Stay informed via official sources, as the debate remains polarized—pro-SIG sources stress design safety and user responsibility; critics point to patterns of incidents and agency restrictions.

The topic is divisive in firearm communities, with strong opinions on both sides. If this relates to a specific incident, ownership concern, or legal matter, provide more details for tailored info.

[ridesthemiles]

PRETTI HAD ANOTHER RUN IN WITH ICE EARLIER-—MAYBE A WEEK. 5 OFFICERS HAD TO TAKE HIM DOWN & HE GOT A BROKEN RIB, ACCORDING TO ANOTHER STORY

[Sarah Barracuda]

If that is the case who can honestly blame the ICE agent for firing, they thought they were being shot at..it was a split second decision and NO ONE can put themselves in their shoes with the constant death threats they receive daily and not understand why they would respond like that

[Sarah Barracuda]

Yep so this isnt some lil loaf who was taking a stroll, he already had a confrontation with ICE agents weeks prior

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Transcript Summary

William Kirk discusses a recent fatal shooting incident in Minnesota involving ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) officers, based on a video that has circulated online.

He notes that immediate judgments label it as either cold-blooded murder or legally justified self-defense, but he avoids definitive conclusions due to incomplete facts.

He mentions the video appears to show the deceased individual possibly being disarmed before fatal shots, though other explanations (such as communication failures in chaos or officers perceiving a continued threat) are possible.

He argues that the core legal issue rarely discussed is not merely firearm possession during law enforcement contact, which he says rarely leads to shootings on its own.

Instead, he focuses on the pattern in such ICE-related incidents: the individuals killed or injured were actively engaged in intentionally obstructing, hindering, or thwarting ICE deportation/immigration operations.He describes this obstruction as illegal under federal law, specifically citing:

• 8 U.S.C. § 1324 (hindering or obstructing immigration efforts, including attempts or conspiracies).

• 18 U.S.C. § 111 (forcibly assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding, intimidating, or interfering with federal officers, including ICE personnel, in the performance of duties; penalties up to 8 years imprisonment if involving physical contact or intent to commit another felony).

He also references a Minnesota state statute (609.50) on obstructing legal process or arrest, though he notes it may not fully apply to federal officers.

Kirk emphasizes that such obstructive behavior is dangerous, reckless, and often advocated or promoted by some local and national politicians, whom he holds partially responsible. He contrasts this with past law enforcement operations (e.g., DEA crack house raids or January 6 arrests), where no similar organized street-level interference occurred.

He frames the broader question as whether the U.S. is moving toward a totalitarian state or already in an anarchist one, given repeated preventable incidents tied to illegal obstruction of federal operations.

He stresses that opposition to immigration policies should occur in courts or Congress, not through street actions that endanger officers or violate law.

He indicates future videos may analyze the incident further as more facts emerge, provides links to related videos, and closes with standard channel plugs for contact, ideas, newsletter, and a reminder about knowing the law as a responsible gun owner.

Transcript Summary

William Kirk discusses a recent fatal shooting incident in Minnesota involving ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) officers, based on a video that has circulated online.

He notes that immediate judgments label it as either cold-blooded murder or legally justified self-defense, but he avoids definitive conclusions due to incomplete facts.

He mentions the video appears to show the deceased individual possibly being disarmed before fatal shots, though other explanations (such as communication failures in chaos or officers perceiving a continued threat) are possible.

He argues that the core legal issue rarely discussed is not merely firearm possession during law enforcement contact, which he says rarely leads to shootings on its own.

Instead, he focuses on the pattern in such ICE-related incidents: the individuals killed or injured were actively engaged in intentionally obstructing, hindering, or thwarting ICE deportation/immigration operations.He describes this obstruction as illegal under federal law, specifically citing:

• 8 U.S.C. § 1324 (hindering or obstructing immigration efforts, including attempts or conspiracies).

• 18 U.S.C. § 111 (forcibly assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding, intimidating, or interfering with federal officers, including ICE personnel, in the performance of duties; penalties up to 8 years imprisonment if involving physical contact or intent to commit another felony).

He also references a Minnesota state statute (609.50) on obstructing legal process or arrest, though he notes it may not fully apply to federal officers.

Kirk emphasizes that such obstructive behavior is dangerous, reckless, and often advocated or promoted by some local and national politicians, whom he holds partially responsible. He contrasts this with past law enforcement operations (e.g., DEA crack house raids or January 6 arrests), where no similar organized street-level interference occurred.

He frames the broader question as whether the U.S. is moving toward a totalitarian state or already in an anarchist one, given repeated preventable incidents tied to illegal obstruction of federal operations.

He stresses that opposition to immigration policies should occur in courts or Congress, not through street actions that endanger officers or violate law.

He indicates future videos may analyze the incident further as more facts emerge, provides links to related videos, and closes with standard channel plugs for contact, ideas, newsletter, and a reminder about knowing the law as a responsible gun owner.

[Paal Gulli]

There have been zero post-2017 P320s that could be made to fire uncommanded under controlled conditions, as well as zero pre-2017 P320 that have had the fix applied.