Former Vice President Mike Pence described the recent video footage capturing the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minnesota as "deeply troubling." On Monday, he stressed the urgency of a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident that has sparked widespread public outcry and protests.

“In the wake of the tragic shooting that claimed the life of Alex Pretti this weekend, our prayers are with his family, the citizens of Minneapolis, and local, state, and federal law enforcement officers serving there,” Pence articulated in a post on X. He insisted that the officer-involved shooting be promptly and openly investigated.

Pretti, a 37-year-old Minneapolis resident, died after being shot by Border Patrol agents this past Saturday. The incident occurred merely 2 miles from the site of Renee Good’s January 7 death, also at the hands of an immigration enforcement officer, fueling a fiery debate between the Trump administration and Minnesota officials over the president's immigration enforcement strategies.

The streets of Minnesota have seen significant protests following Pretti's death. State leaders have accused federal officials of hindering their involvement in the shooting investigation, while administration officials counterclaim that Minnesota authorities have resisted cooperation with immigration deportations.

Pence, diverging from some within the Trump administration, called for collaboration among all levels of law enforcement to address community concerns while ensuring the apprehension of dangerous individuals. His comments reflect a growing concern among Republicans who advocate for a comprehensive inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Some Republicans have contested the administration's claim that Pretti’s possession of a firearm legally justified the lethal response, a position Pence supported in his remarks. “The American people deserve to have safe streets, our laws enforced and our constitutional rights of Freedom of Speech, peaceable assembly, and the right to keep and bear Arms respected and preserved all at the same time,” Pence stated. “That’s how Law and Order and Freedom work together in America.”

As tensions continue to simmer in Minneapolis, Pence’s call for a balanced approach to law enforcement and civil liberties highlights the complex interplay of security, rights, and justice in America today.