St. Paul, Minn. – Today, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension received formal notice from the FBI that it will not provide access to critical information and evidence in the investigation of the killing of Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis. Senator Ron Latz issued the following statement:
“This decision marks a stark departure from the established practice of collaboration between the state and federal government on investigations. For decades, joint investigations between federal and state authorities have been the norm in incidents involving multiple jurisdictions to ensure transparency, accountability, and public trust.
After the killing of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, and the shooting of Julio Sosa-Celis, the federal government blocked access to crime scenes, invented facts, and accused victims of being domestic terrorists. Last week, we saw charges dropped against Mr. Sosa-Celis, and a criminal probe initiated into whether ICE officers committed perjury.
The refusal of the federal government to work together fundamentally undermines public confidence in adherence to the rule of law and obstructs Minnesotans’ right to a thorough and independent investigation into this killing. Access to evidence is not a privilege; it is a cornerstone of due process and the rule of law. The federal government’s efforts to control the evidence, restrict state access, and limit an independent analysis erodes our very system of justice, and the guarantees of due process to which every person is entitled.
This week I am introducing legislation to ensure independent investigative authority for the Minnesota BCA in cases involving the killing of Minnesota residents by federal agents operating in the state, and we will be meeting in Judiciary Committee on Friday to begin the work of restoring accountability and defending our justice system.”
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