TAMPA, Fla. — The shooting of a protester by a federal immigration officer in Minnesota has sparked protests across the country, including one in Tampa.
What You Need To Know
Alex Pretti was fatally shot by a federal immigration officer in Minneapolis
Demonstrators in Tampa gathered to show solidarity
Organizers demand accountability from ICE
Dozens met outside Tampa City Hall on Saturday evening in response to the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
Demonstrator Mauricio Vasquez said ICE needs to take responsibility.
“This country has always been based on the respect of human rights, so that’s what we want. Respect for us,” Vasquez said.
Saturday’s protest was not something that had been planned weeks ahead of time.
Organizer Joe Nohava said this is a direct response to Saturday morning’s shooting.
“We’re going to continue to fight no matter what,” Nohava said. “We’re not, you know, gonna leave Minneapolis to fight this fight alone.”
Nohava said he was at home making breakfast when he found out what happened.
He said the emotions of another person shot by ICE is what led to the protest, and they want to stand in solidarity with demonstrators in Minneapolis.
Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement that federal officers were conducting an operation and fired “defensive shots” after a man with a handgun approached them and “violently resisted” when officers tried to disarm him.
In bystander videos of the shooting that emerged soon after, Pretti is seen with a phone in his hand but none appears to show him with a visible weapon.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said during a news conference later Saturday that Pretti had shown up to “impede a law enforcement operation.” She questioned why he was armed but did not offer detail about whether Pretti drew the weapon or brandished it at officers.
The officer who shot the man is an eight-year Border Patrol veteran, federal officials said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.