Outrage erupted Wednesday after the two Border Patrol agents believed to have killed 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis were placed on paid leave.
The Department of Homeland Security has not named the two officers or disclosed further information about the shooting death. The move was referred to as "standard protocol after a shooting," according to reports.
Pretti, who was carrying a licensed firearm in his waistband and did not brandish the weapon, was disarmed by federal officers before he was shot and killed.
People responded to the news on social media and questioned the decision.
"Paid leave. A vacation," journalist Laura Bassett wrote on Bluesky.
"They should be publicly identified and arrested," user Brigham Narins wrote on Bluesky.
"Paid? Jesus, talk about an incentive for killing. I'm glad they're off the streets but they are all bad apples so it's not like the remaining goons are any better," user May Kergen wrote on Bluesky.
"Desk duty…lol, as if those clowns can read," filmmaker and writer John Handem Piette wrote on X.
"Murder someone, then get to chill at a desk and still get paid," user OGDad wrote on X.
"Paid leave....they ALL need to be arrested!" Peggy Gabour wrote on X.
"Whoever that s--- bag was that was gleefully clapping as Pretti was murdered needs psychiatry help. That is psychopath behavior," user Charli Huxley wrote on X.
"Still no names though?" Former Bleacher Report columnist Peter Hopey wrote on X.
"The two agents involved in the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti ought to meet with a lawyer. They may need it. Video shows Alex Pretti's handgun was taken from his waistband before Border Patrol agents fired 10 rounds. Doesn't sound like self-defense to any reasonable person," Larry Boorstein, project manager, wrote on X.