Minneapolis, Minnesota, January 29, 2026
In Minneapolis, two federal agents involved in the shooting of 37-year-old nurse Alex Pretti have been put on administrative leave, marking a significant development in the case. The shooting occurred during an encounter while agents were enforcing policies as part of Operation Metro Surge. The investigation continues amid scrutiny of the agents’ actions and community protests demanding justice. Meanwhile, in other news, NASCAR is making changes to its schedule at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and a murder trial in Manassas Park has been postponed.
Minneapolis, Charlotte, and Manassas Park See Significant Developments in Recent Days
Minneapolis, Minnesota – Two federal agents involved in the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, have been placed on administrative leave, a decision announced in the last 48 hours. This development marks a shift from earlier statements that indicated the agents remained on duty in another city for safety reasons. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed the administrative leave as standard protocol following an officer-involved shooting.
Investigation into Pretti’s Death Continues
Pretti was shot and killed on Saturday, January 24, 2026, during an encounter with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Border Patrol agents. The incident occurred in Minneapolis near Nicollet Avenue and 25th Street as agents were conducting enforcement actions as part of Operation Metro Surge. A preliminary report sent to Congress by DHS states that two officers discharged their agency-issued Glock pistols after a brief struggle. An agent reportedly shouted, “He’s got a gun!” approximately five seconds before shots were fired. Investigators have not yet confirmed whether bullets from both officers struck Pretti.
Initial statements that described Pretti as a potential mass attacker were later attributed to chaotic initial reports from the scene. Federal officials indicated that the confrontation began when officers attempted to clear civilians from the roadway amidst ongoing protests. Agents used pepper spray and tried to detain Pretti, who resisted. Reports also indicate that bystander video appears to show one agent removing a gun and moving away from Pretti just before another agent fired. Minnesota officials have stated that Pretti was a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry and had no criminal record.
Community and Official Reactions
The placement of the agents on administrative leave follows an internal review by DHS. Border czar Tom Homan is scheduled to give his first news conference on Thursday morning, January 29, 2026, since arriving in Minnesota at the request of the President. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have reportedly met with Homan to discuss further steps. There are indications that some within the Department of Homeland Security are increasingly concerned about the agency’s reputation, and a Border Patrol official, Gregory Bovino, was reportedly demoted to a post outside Minnesota.
Friends and family of Alex Pretti held a memorial in Minneapolis on January 27, 2026, remembering him as a kindhearted, helpful, and intelligent individual who cared deeply for American veterans and his community. A representative for Pretti’s family confirmed on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, that he is the person seen confronting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in a video recorded 11 days before his death.
NASCAR Plans Major Change for Charlotte Motor Speedway Race
Charlotte, North Carolina – A significant alteration to the NASCAR Cup Series schedule for 2026 is expected at Charlotte Motor Speedway, with reports indicating that the road course, known as the “Roval,” will be removed. This change, widely reported in the last 48 hours, means the track will revert to its traditional intermediate oval configuration for both of its race weekends, including the playoff Cup race scheduled for mid-October. An official announcement from NASCAR is anticipated in the coming weeks.
Shift Back to Oval Racing
The decision to replace the Roval, a 2.3-mile, 17-turn track that combines elements of road course and oval racing, comes after its introduction to the NASCAR schedule in 2018. This reported change is expected to apply across all three NASCAR national series. The Roval had aimed to bring variety to the racing calendar and add a road course to the playoffs, creating dramatic moments with its heavy braking zones and tight chicanes. However, the novelty of the Roval reportedly faded over time, and fans have increasingly called for its removal due to a perceived decline in the road course racing product and an improvement in intermediate oval racing.
Charlotte Motor Speedway, a facility in Concord, North Carolina, opened in 1960 and has historically hosted two Cup race weekends annually. These include the Coca-Cola 600, a prestigious event held on the oval in late May, and the fall race, which has utilized the Roval layout since 2018.
Manassas Park Murder Trial Delayed to 2026
Manassas Park, Virginia – The trial for Naresh Bhatt, who is accused in the murder of his wife, Mamta Kafle Bhatt, has been delayed until October 2026. This represents the latest development in an ongoing legal case that has drawn significant community attention. Mamta Kafle Bhatt went missing in December 2024, and her body has not yet been recovered.
Ongoing Search for Justice
Naresh Bhatt faces charges of first-degree murder, concealment of a dead body, and physically defiling a dead body in connection with his wife’s disappearance. The community of Manassas Park has actively called for justice in the case, with rallies held by supporters after the news of the trial delay emerged in July 2025. This delay has been met with disappointment by Mamta Kafle Bhatt’s family, who are seeking closure. Police previously responded to a call at the couple’s home approximately a month before her disappearance in December 2024.
Authorities have stated their continued commitment to the investigation, responding to numerous tips and gathering evidence to ensure a thorough trial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the latest development in the Alex Pretti shooting case?
A: Two federal agents involved in the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti have been placed on administrative leave.
Q: When was Alex Pretti shot?
A: Alex Pretti was shot and killed on Saturday, January 24, 2026, in Minneapolis.
Q: What is Operation Metro Surge?
A: Operation Metro Surge refers to enforcement actions during which the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti occurred.
Q: What is the major change planned for NASCAR at Charlotte Motor Speedway?
A: Charlotte Motor Speedway is expected to remove its road course, the Roval, from the NASCAR Cup Series schedule for 2026, reverting to its intermediate oval configuration for both race weekends.
Q: When was the Roval introduced at Charlotte Motor Speedway?
A: The Roval was introduced to the NASCAR schedule at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 2018.
Q: What are the charges against Naresh Bhatt in the Mamta Kafle Bhatt case?
A: Naresh Bhatt is charged with first-degree murder, concealment of a dead body, and physically defiling a dead body.
Q: When is Naresh Bhatt’s trial scheduled?
A: The trial for Naresh Bhatt has been delayed until October 2026.
Q: Has Mamta Kafle Bhatt’s body been found?
A: No, Mamta Kafle Bhatt’s body has not yet been recovered.
Key Features Summary
| Event | Primary Location | Latest Development (Reported) | Key Participants / Entities | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Pretti Shooting | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Federal agents placed on administrative leave (January 28-29, 2026) | Alex Pretti, Federal Agents (CBP, Border Patrol), DHS, Tom Homan | Ongoing investigation, legal process |
| NASCAR Charlotte Motor Speedway Change | Charlotte, North Carolina | Roval track expected to be removed from 2026 schedule (Reported January 26-27, 2026) | Charlotte Motor Speedway, NASCAR, Fans | Anticipated schedule change for 2026 season |
| Mamta Kafle Bhatt Murder Case | Manassas Park, Virginia | Trial for Naresh Bhatt delayed to October 2026 (Reported July 2025) | Mamta Kafle Bhatt, Naresh Bhatt, Manassas Park Police | Ongoing murder trial, body not recovered |
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