Deadly Minneapolis shooting flares tensions across the US, including in Fresno
For the second time this month, a deadly Minneapolis shooting involving federal agents sent shock waves throughout the U.S., including Fresno.
"I'm appalled. I can't believe this is my America," said Farah Karipineni during a protest in North Fresno Saturday.
Karipineni was one of around 100 people who gathered on the corner of Blackstone and Nees Saturday afternoon.
Although the protest's organizing group, called Peace Fresno, hosts weekly events in that location covering a range of current events, there was primarily an anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement sentiment Saturday. Many of the protesters said they showed up in response to the death of 37-year-old Alex Pretti -- the man shot and killed by a U.S. Border Patrol officer in Minneapolis Saturday morning.
"It was devastating to watch," said Angel Lozano while participating in the North Fresno protest. "They just shot him. They executed him in the streets."
In the early hours of the investigation, the Department of Homeland Security alleged Pretti approached US Border Patrol officers with a handgun. The agency added that Pretti "violently resisted" the officers when they attempted to disarm him.
However, law enforcement experts say that videos shared online contradict that account.
It's the second time a U.S. citizen was killed by federal agents in Minneapolis since the start of this year.
Renee Good was killed on January 7 after she allegedly hit an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent with her car, who shot her.
The incident sparking controversy across the U.S. -- many casting blame on political rivals.
"This is Trump's America. And we all warned of this kind of behavior, and these kind of consequences during the election, and we're starting to see it," said Miguel Arias, Fresno City Councilmember for District 3.
"It's okay to protest. It's not okay to obstruct. And really, law enforcement personnel in general: these are people who have families as well. So, where there are confrontations, it's not okay," said Nathan Magsig, Fresno County Supervisor for District 5.
