Former U.S. Rep. Jamaal Bowman urged supporters to “burn this s*** down” following the fatal shooting of anti-ICE agitator Alex Pretti, who was killed during a confrontation with U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents. Bowman made the remarks in a video posted online after the incident, which occurred during a federal immigration enforcement operation.
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Bowman, who lost his Democratic primary in 2024, referenced Pretti’s death while criticizing federal authorities. Video footage from the scene shows Pretti inserting himself into the operation as agents attempted to arrest another individual, leading to a physical struggle with officers.
According to authorities, Pretti, who was legally licensed to carry a 9mm handgun, reached toward his waistband during the confrontation. Agents can be heard shouting “gun” before shots were fired, resulting in Pretti’s death. Officials have said the agent acted in self-defense, a claim that remains under investigation.
Despite those details, Bowman and other figures on the left accused CBP of murder and described the shooting as part of a broader pattern of systemic abuse. In his video, Bowman called for mass action and urged supporters to shut down what he described as a broken system.
“It’s time to shut this s**t down,” Bowman said, calling on governors, mayors, and elected officials to abolish or defund ICE. He also lashed out at Republicans and accused them of supporting fascism, while demanding that President Trump be impeached.
Bowman went on to endorse efforts by congressional Democrats to force a government shutdown, echoing calls from party leaders. He framed the incident as part of a historical pattern of violence against marginalized communities and said the country needs sweeping change, urging continued protests and political pressure in response to Pretti’s death.