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Syracuse Police Shooting Videos Challenge Initial Narrative

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/01/31 .. shooting-videos-challenge-initial-narrative.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Saturday, January 31st 2026 at 10:09 GMT by inforum
      Locales: Michigan, UNITED STATES

SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Nearly 14 months after the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Alex Pretti by Syracuse Police Department (SPD) officers, newly surfaced and widely circulated witness videos are intensifying scrutiny and challenging the initial narrative provided by law enforcement. The videos, appearing across multiple social media platforms, paint a markedly different picture of the events that transpired on December 23, 2023, raising serious questions about the justification for the use of force.

The SPD has consistently stated that officers responded to a reported incident involving an individual - later identified as Pretti - brandishing a knife and making verbal threats, leading to the fatal shooting in what they characterized as an act of self-defense. However, the emerging video evidence is directly at odds with this account, creating a growing demand for transparency and a reevaluation of the case.

Multiple independent recordings, captured from various angles, show portions of the interaction between Pretti and the responding officers. While some footage corroborates the presence of a knife, several videos appear to depict Pretti not acting aggressively and seemingly complying with verbal commands from the officers prior to the shooting. Crucially, these clips suggest a potential de-escalation that didn't occur, and that lethal force may have been deployed prematurely.

Lisa Pretti, the mother of the deceased, has become a vocal advocate for justice, speaking publicly about her concerns. "The videos clearly show that this young man was not acting aggressively or threateningly," she stated emphatically. "We are deeply concerned about the lack of transparency from the SPD and the apparent attempt to portray my son as the aggressor. This isn't about 'he had a knife' - it's about how that knife factored into the situation, and whether officers allowed the situation to escalate unnecessarily." The family has retained legal counsel and is preparing to pursue civil litigation against the SPD.

The District Attorney's office, under William J. Fitzpatrick, confirmed on Friday that it is actively reviewing the case, incorporating the newly available video evidence into its ongoing investigation. "We are committed to conducting a thorough and impartial investigation to determine what happened and whether any laws were broken," Fitzpatrick stated in a press release. However, the length of the investigation, coupled with the initial police statements, is fueling public distrust.

City Councilor Jennifer Hatfield has joined the growing chorus of voices demanding full disclosure. "The community deserves to see the full picture of what happened. Releasing the bodycam footage, dashcam footage, and all other supporting evidence isn't about hindering the investigation; it's about building trust and demonstrating accountability," she argued during a city council meeting earlier this week. Hatfield is also advocating for a review of SPD's de-escalation training protocols.

Alex Pretti was a recent graduate of Syracuse University, earning a degree in environmental science. He was described by friends and family as a kind, thoughtful, and ambitious young man with a bright future. His untimely death has sparked a series of protests and demonstrations in Syracuse, with activists calling for comprehensive police reform, increased accountability, and an end to what they describe as systemic issues within the SPD.

Beyond the immediate circumstances of the shooting, the Pretti case has reignited a broader conversation about police use of force, particularly concerning individuals experiencing mental health crises. Sources close to the family have indicated that Pretti was struggling with undisclosed personal issues leading up to the incident, suggesting that a mental health intervention might have been more appropriate than a forceful response. This raises questions about whether officers are adequately trained to identify and de-escalate situations involving individuals in psychological distress.

The SPD's silence regarding the videos has only intensified public pressure. Critics accuse the department of stonewalling and attempting to control the narrative. Legal experts suggest that withholding evidence could be detrimental to the SPD's position in any potential legal proceedings.

As the investigation progresses, the public awaits a full accounting of the events of December 23rd, 2023. The case of Alex Pretti serves as a stark reminder of the complex and often fraught relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve, and the critical importance of transparency, accountability, and comprehensive police reform.