Minneapolis, January 25: A viral video showing the violent detention of Twin Cities rapper Nur-D has ignited fresh outrage and scrutiny of federal law enforcement tactics following a fatal shooting involving federal agents in south Minneapolis.

Matt “Nur-D” Allen, 35, was taken into custody on Saturday amid protests over the death of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old Minneapolis resident who was shot and killed earlier the same day during a federal operation near West 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue South.

Viral Video of Nur-D’s Detention Sparks Questions

Footage published by Status Coup News shows Allen walking away from federal agents with his hands raised as chemical irritants were used to disperse a crowd. Moments later, agents are seen tackling him to the ground, restraining his arms, and deploying pepper spray directly into his face. In the video, Allen can be heard shouting his name and yelling, “You’re gonna have to kill me.”

Minneapolis Rapper Nur-D Violently Detained in Viral Footage Following Alex Pretti’s Death by Federal Agents  

Witnesses say Allen, visibly in distress, was placed into the back of a pickup truck by agents. While the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has not commented on his detention, members of the local music community said Allen was later transported to Hennepin County Medical Center for treatment. Minneapolis ICE Shooting: 51-Year-Old Man Shot Dead by Federal Officers in Minnesota Amid Immigration Crackdown.

Nur-D is a prominent figure in Minnesota’s arts scene. Based in Rosemount, he has performed with the Minnesota Orchestra and appeared in regional advertising campaigns, making his detention a flashpoint for artists and activists alike. US: Department of Homeland Security Officers Shoot Armed Suspect in Minneapolis Amid Immigration Crackdown.

Fatal Shooting Fuels Protests

The protests followed a deadly encounter between federal agents and Pretti. DHS said the shooting occurred during a “targeted operation” focused on a suspect wanted for assault and allegedly in the country illegally. According to the agency, Pretti approached Border Patrol agents with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun, and an agent fired their weapon after fearing for their life.

Pretti was pronounced dead at the scene. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara later stated that investigators believe Pretti may have held a valid firearm permit, which would have allowed him to legally carry a handgun under Minnesota law.

City Leaders Condemn Federal Actions

The incident has drawn sharp criticism from local officials. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the federal operation, accusing the administration of “terrorizing” the city. “How many more residents, how many more Americans, need to die or get badly hurt for this operation to end?” Frey asked during a news conference.

Chief O’Hara confirmed that the gathering near the shooting site was declared an “unlawful assembly” and urged residents to stay away, saying, “Please do not destroy our own city.”

As protests grew, law enforcement used tear gas and flash-bang grenades to disperse demonstrators, leading to the confrontation captured in the viral Nur-D video.

As of Sunday, federal authorities have not released additional details about the investigation into Pretti’s death or announced whether any charges will be filed against Nur-D.

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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 25, 2026 02:26 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).