BBC Confirms Authenticity of Viral Alex Pretti Video Showing Car Altercation Before Fatal Shooting
MINNEAPOLIS, January 28, 2026 – The BBC has confirmed the authenticity of viral footage showing Alex Pretti kicking a federal agent’s vehicle days before the 37-year-old ICU nurse was fatally shot during an immigration enforcement operation. The confirmation comes amid a national conversation about crime trends, including spiking vehicle thefts, and growing concerns over violent content on social media platforms.
Video Evidence Confirmed
After days of online speculation, the British Broadcasting Corporation verified footage that appears to show Alex Pretti kicking an agent’s car on January 13, 2026—eleven days before the fatal encounter in Minneapolis. Pretti was killed by a Border Patrol agent during what authorities described as a targeted immigration enforcement operation early on the morning of Saturday, January 24.
The video’s authentication adds a new dimension to the investigation into Pretti’s death. His family has vehemently disputed official accounts, claiming he was holding a cellphone, not a handgun, when he was shot. Forensic video analysts are examining multiple angles of the final moments of the incident, with experts noting that different viewers can reach “diametrically opposite conclusions” when watching the same footage.
National Crime Trends Context
The Pretti case emerges against a backdrop of shifting crime statistics across the United States. While many cities report declining homicide rates, law enforcement agencies are warning about specific crime spikes:
| Crime Trend | Current Status & Details |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Theft | Spiking nationwide, particularly for models manufactured between 2011-2021 that lack engine immobilizers. Social media challenges have been linked to increased thefts. |
| Catalytic Converter Theft | Remains prevalent, with dash cam footage frequently capturing thieves who complete thefts in minutes using jacks and saws. |
| Homicide Rates | Declining sharply in dozens of U.S. cities according to recent reports, with Little Rock, Arkansas being a notable exception with a 16% increase. |
| Digital & Fraud Crimes | Identity theft and wire fraud seeing increases in many communities, even as some areas report drops in violent crime. |
Social Media Content Concerns
As viral footage plays a central role in the Pretti case, experts are raising alarms about the psychological impact of disturbing content circulating online. Research indicates that repeated exposure to violent media can increase stress, heighten anxiety, and contribute to feelings of helplessness among viewers.
The affiliate marketing boom across social platforms is also creating intellectual property and trust concerns, with RMIT experts warning of significant risks. Meanwhile, regulatory questions are emerging about AI-generated content, with some advocates calling for clear labeling to distinguish human-created from artificial media.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the BBC confirm about the Alex Pretti video?
The BBC confirmed the authenticity of viral footage that appears to show Alex Pretti kicking a federal agent’s car on January 13, 2026. This occurred 11 days before Pretti was fatally shot during an immigration operation in Minneapolis.
How are vehicle theft trends changing in the U.S.?
Police report vehicle theft is spiking, particularly for certain models manufactured between 2011-2021 that lack engine immobilizers. This security gap has been widely exploited following viral social media trends that sometimes glorify or dare users to commit theft.
What are experts saying about disturbing social media content?
Researchers warn that repeated exposure to violent or disturbing media can increase stress and anxiety. There are growing calls for better content moderation and clearer labeling of AI-generated material to help users distinguish between real and synthetic content.