WASHINGTON – Democracy Defenders Fund (DDF) has submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) seeking the release of communications and records related to the killing of Alex Pretti. The request comes following the Department of Homeland Security’s disturbingly different interpretation of the information currently available.

In the filing, DDF requests all records related to the shooting of Mr. Pretti and the aftermath including communications that reference the Minneapolis Police Department, the federal court order to preserve evidence, any recovered firearm or ammunition, conversations with the White House or the agency’s public relations office and any after-action reports.

“Alex Pretti was killed on camera and in broad daylight. The government responded with a story that does not match the evidence that's plainly visible to every American. That disconnect is exactly why we filed this FOIA request: to obtain the basic records that show who knew what and when, who approved the public narrative, and how DHS is handling the evidence and oversight after the shooting." said Virginia Canter, chief counsel and director of ethics and anti-corruption at Democracy Defenders Fund. “DHS has refused to cooperate with state and local law enforcement by providing them ready access to this vital information. DHS must preserve these records and release them without delay, because Mr. Pretti's family and the American people are entitled to the truth.”

The FOIA was sent on an expedited basis and can be viewed HERE

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Democracy Defenders Fund brings together a nonpartisan team to work with national, state, and local allies across the country to defend in real-time the foundations of our democracy.