Less Lethal

12 photos · 2020–2026

12 photographs tagged Less Lethal, 2020–2026.

ICE agents use less-lethal force on Nicollet Ave in Minneapolis, January 24, 2026. — Federal agents from ICE and Border Patrol shoot less lethals on Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026. This follows the killing Alex Pretti, the second American to be killed in January 2026 in Minneapolis. On January 24, 2026, federal immigration agents fatally shot 37-year-old Alex Pretti during Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis. Pretti, an intensive care nurse at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, was killed during an encounter connected to large-scale federal immigration enforcement operations taking place across the Twin Cities. Video recorded by bystanders and witnesses at the scene quickly circulated online and contradicted portions of the initial federal account of the shooting, leading to public outrage and demands for the release of additional evidence. Video showed that Pretti was armed and was shot and killed an after he was disarmed. Pretti’s death sparked days of protests, marches, and confrontations with law enforcement in Minneapolis as demonstrators condemned the federal operation and called for accountability. The shooting became a major flashpoint in ongoing national debates over immigration enforcement, federal policing powers, and the use of force during domestic operations. As of this writing, no one has been held responsible for the killing.

ICE and Border Patrol agents in tactical gear and gas masks stand on Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis. — Federal agents, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026. This occurred in the aftermath of the shooting death of Minneapolis resident Alex Pretti by federal agents. Pretti was the second person killed and third person shot by federal agents in Minneapolis during the month of January. On January 24, 2026, federal immigration agents fatally shot 37-year-old Alex Pretti during Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis. Pretti, an intensive care nurse at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, was killed during an encounter connected to large-scale federal immigration enforcement operations taking place across the Twin Cities. Video recorded by bystanders and witnesses at the scene quickly circulated online and contradicted portions of the initial federal account of the shooting, leading to public outrage and demands for the release of additional evidence. Video showed that Pretti was armed and was shot and killed an after he was disarmed. Pretti’s death sparked days of protests, marches, and confrontations with law enforcement in Minneapolis as demonstrators condemned the federal operation and called for accountability. The shooting became a major flashpoint in ongoing national debates over immigration enforcement, federal policing powers, and the use of force during domestic operations. As of this writing, no one has been held responsible for the killing.

Federal agents deploy tear gas on Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis during Operation Metro Surge. — Federal agents deployed tear gas on Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026. The action followed the shooting death of Minneapolis resident Alex Pretti by federal agents. Pretti was the second person killed and third person shot by federal agents in Minneapolis that month. The incident occurred during Operation Metro Surge, a federal law enforcement operation. On January 24, 2026, federal immigration agents fatally shot 37-year-old Alex Pretti during Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis. Pretti, an intensive care nurse at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, was killed during an encounter connected to large-scale federal immigration enforcement operations taking place across the Twin Cities. Video recorded by bystanders and witnesses at the scene quickly circulated online and contradicted portions of the initial federal account of the shooting, leading to public outrage and demands for the release of additional evidence. Video showed that Pretti was armed and was shot and killed an after he was disarmed. Pretti’s death sparked days of protests, marches, and confrontations with law enforcement in Minneapolis as demonstrators condemned the federal operation and called for accountability. The shooting became a major flashpoint in ongoing national debates over immigration enforcement, federal policing powers, and the use of force during domestic operations. As of this writing, no one has been held responsible for the killing.

U.S. Border Patrol agent wearing gas mask and tactical gear stands on a Minneapolis street lined with parked cars. — A U.S. Border Patrol agent, identified by the "RM29" patch on his vest, stands on a Minneapolis street wearing a gas mask and tactical gear.

Defense Technologhy rounds used by federal agents in Minneapolis — Federal agent with 40mm less lethal rounds and canisters on his waist band. The canisters from Defense Technology are SUPER BLAST — Diversion Round flash bang and a Military Style SAF-SMOKE white smoke round.

Police line outside Brooklyn Center Police Department as tear gas fills the street during a protest. — Protesters gathered outside the Brooklyn Center Police Department following the fatal shooting of Daunte Wright by an officer during a traffic stop. The incident, which occurred on April 11, 2021, sparked widespread protests and unrest in the Minneapolis area. Law enforcement responded with tear gas and other less-lethal measures to disperse the crowds.

St Paul Police with less lethal weapons at Governor Mansion — St. Paul Police officers, equipped with less-lethal weapons, are stationed near the Minnesota Governor's Residence on January 6, 2021. This date marked a national day of unrest, with supporters of then-President Donald Trump gathering at the Minnesota State Capitol for a "Storm The Capitol" event. The presence of law enforcement near the Governor's Residence suggests a response to potential disruptions or security concerns related to the events unfolding in the state and across the country.

Minneapolis police officers with less-lethal weapons stand on a downtown street during the May 28, 2020 protest following George Floyd's death. — Minneapolis Police officers prepare less-lethal weapons on a downtown Minneapolis street on May 28, 2020, three days after George Floyd was killed.

Minneapolis police and protesters in Minneapolis — Minneapolis Police officers in riot gear stand outside the department’s 3rd Precinct station on Lake Street in Minneapolis on May 27, 2020. The building’s entrance and windows are boarded and broken, with graffiti visible on the plywood as crowds gather in the foreground.

Protesters with their hands up outside 3rd Precinct — Protesters and Minneapolis police officers face each other outside the Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct at 3000 Minnehaha Avenue in Minneapolis on May 27, 2020. Officers in riot gear stand on the entrance steps and behind metal barricades while demonstrators gather in the street with many raising their hands.

Police officer reloads his less lethal weapon — A Minneapolis Police officer in gas mask, helmet, and tactical gear reloads a less-lethal launcher outside the Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct in Minneapolis on May 27, 2020. The photograph was made during the protests that followed the killing of George Floyd, when the precinct became a central location for clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement.

Minneapolis police fire less-lethal munitions near the 3rd Precinct as a protester runs past. — Minneapolis Police officers fire less-lethal munitions on a street near the 3rd Precinct station in Minneapolis on May 26, 2020, as a protester runs through the foreground holding a sign. The officers are wearing helmets and gas masks during demonstrations that followed the killing of George Floyd and intensified around the precinct.

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