A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from destroying evidence in the execution of Alex Pretti—but the state of Minnesota is accusing DHS of already trying to tamper with the crime scene.

WHAT’S GOING ON: U.S. District Judge Eric Tostrud granted an emergency request Saturday from Minnesota prosecutors to stop the Department of Homeland Security from “destroying or altering” evidence related to the shooting. Local authorities say federal agents have already been hastily removing evidence from the scene.

Minnesota’s top investigator for police shootings said in court filings he’d never seen federal agents block local access to a crime scene where both jurisdictions apply—in 20 years on the job. It’s the second time this month feds have blocked Minnesota from investigating a shooting death by federal agents.

“Federal agents are not above the law and Alex Pretti is certainly not beneath it,” Minnesota’s state Attorney General Keith Ellison said. “A full, impartial, and transparent investigation into his fatal shooting at the hands of DHS agents is non-negotiable.”

THE DETAILS: Videos show Pretti recording agents with his phone and trying to help someone an agent pushed to the ground. He was sprayed with chemical agents and wrestled down before shots rang out.

DHS claims Pretti was armed with a gun, but video doesn’t appear to show him reaching for or brandishing any weapon. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said Pretti was believed to be a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry.

BUT BUT BUT: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem—a known liar—claimed Pretti “arrived at the scene to inflict maximum damage” and wanted to “kill law enforcement.” His family isn’t having it.

“Alex is clearly not holding a gun when attacked by Trump’s murdering and cowardly ICE thugs,” Pretti’s parents said in a statement. Governor Tim Walz has called the federal government’s account “lies.”

Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin dismissed the lawsuit as “a ridiculous attempt to divide the American people,” insisting DHS is investigating the matter themselves. (Of course.)

WHY IT MATTERS: This isn’t just about one shooting—it’s about whether states have any power to investigate federal agents who kill people within their borders. The Trump administration has flooded Minneapolis with federal agents, and now they’re blocking local authorities from doing their jobs while pushing narratives that directly contradict video evidence.

Even the International Association of Chiefs of Police—the world’s largest association for police leaders—is calling on the White House to convene talks between federal, state, and local law enforcement. When the cops’ own professional organization is saying things have gone off the rails, you know it’s bad.

The administration has until midday Monday to respond, with a hearing set for Monday afternoon. Whatever happens next, a nurse is dead, his family is grieving, and the feds are treating a crime scene like it’s theirs to control.