Victim disarmed 'before first shot was fired' in latest agent-involved killing: report

An initial investigation by an investigative journalism site reportedly shows that the recent immigration-involved shooting in Minneapolis took place after the man had been disarmed.

Independent site Bellingcat took what it called a "very close look at the killing" of ICU nurse Alex Pretti, and noted that its findings "clearly contradict the DHS narrative" that he was shot only after brandishing a deadly firearm at agents.

" Video of the shooting appears to show that a gun was taken from the man BEFORE THE FIRST shot was fired," Bellingcat states. "At least 10 shots being heard in total."

It further notes, "Most of them are fired after a brief delay, when the man is already lying motionless on the ground."

The report states that an agent appears to have removed the firearm from its concealed position on the victim before "retreating" with it, all prior to the first shot being fired.

Legal expert Ryan Goodman posted the findings on social media on Saturday, writing, "Bellingcat is gold standard."

The site, based in the Netherlands, has a reputation for fact-checking reports into war zones and human rights abuses.