U.S. Sen. John Curtis called for an independent investigation Monday into the slaying of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, widely viewed in videos posted to social media, by federal agents last weekend.
“You’ve trusted me, and maintaining that trust matters. I’ve worked hard to be your eyes, ears, and voice,” Curtis, a Republican, said in a statement shared to X. “We must have a transparent, independent investigation into the Minnesota shooting, and those responsible — no matter their title — must be held accountable.”
Curtis added, “Officials who rush to judgment before all the facts are known undermine public trust and the law-enforcement mission.”
The senator’s statement comes after Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse, was killed by federal agents Saturday. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claimed that Pretti “attacked” federal officers and was “brandishing a gun,” but videos of the shooting contradict this account.
Instead, they show Pretti holding a phone, seemingly filming the scene — not attacking officers.
In his Monday statement, Curtis criticized Noem’s comments following Pretti’s death, writing, “I disagree with Secretary Noem’s premature DHS response, which came before all the facts were known and weakened confidence.”
He went on to say he would be working with a bipartisan group of senators to “demand real oversight and transparency,” and that he supports a push from U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, for top immigration officials in President Donald Trump’s administration to testify, “so trust can be restored and justice served.”
Curtis’ recent statement follows Sunday comments in which he called the shooting “tragic,” and said, “None of us yet have the full set of facts, which is why we rely on a legal process designed to uncover the truth, apply the facts, and ensure accountability where warranted. Whether that process shows an officer acted lawfully or that accountability is required, both outcomes matter because justice matters.”
He added, “Until the facts are fully known, we should lead with empathy, restraint, and respect for the rule of law.”
In Utah, state House Speaker Mike Schultz, a Hooper Republican and historically a vocal Trump supporter, told reporters he backs Curtis’ call for an independent investigation, adding, “I don’t think any of us can agree on exactly what happened.”
Schultz has repeatedly emphasized his belief in the principle of state sovereignty in his two years as speaker.
But on Monday, he pointed to the federal government’s jurisdiction over immigration enforcement before saying that, from his perspective, local, state and federal authorities in Minnesota need to improve collaboration. All parties need to work to de-escalate the situation, Schultz said.
“This wouldn’t happen in Utah, and it shouldn’t happen in Minnesota,” Schultz said. “They need to find a way to come together for the benefit of the citizens of the state of Minnesota.”
Responsibility for the violence in Minnesota ultimately lies with Congress, the speaker said in the meeting with reporters, for failing year-after-year to enact immigration reform.
During a new conference before of Curtis released his statement Monday, Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams, R-Layton, called the shooting “very sad.”
Adams sidestepped a question about whether there should be more oversight of the Trump administration and DHS.
“We’re trying to run our affairs over here and maintain the bills,” he said.
In the coming days, the U.S. Senate is set to take up a funding bill that includes additional funding for DHS. Most Senate Democrats have said they will not vote in favor of the package if it includes additional funding for the agency and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which could force a partial government shutdown.
A spokesperson for Curtis said the senator had no further comment beyond his statement Monday and did not respond to a question regarding how he plans to vote on the funding package.
Spokespeople for U.S. Sen. Mike Lee also did not respond to a request for comment on how the senator plans to vote on the package, though Lee seems to have made his stance clear on social media, repeatedly posting in support of ICE in the days since the shooting.
“Invoke the Insurrection Act. Send in the national guard,” Lee posted Monday afternoon. “ICE needs support, not opposition—and opposition is all they’ve gotten from Governor Walz and [Minneapolis] Mayor [Jacob] Frey.”
On Sunday night, the senator was more blunt: “We’re not defunding ICE,” he wrote. “Live with it.”