AP leads the way on coverage of fatal shooting of Minneapolis protester Alex Pretti

By Michael Biesecker, Jim Mustian, Mark Vancleave, Jack Brook, Abbie Parr

The Associated Press was out in front from the start with sweeping and sensitive coverage of the fatal shooting of Minneapolis protester Alex Pretti — leading competitors across formats and securing the only on-the-record interview with the victim’s family.

Minneapolis-based video journalist Mark Vancleave, who had been closely monitoring sites used to track immigration enforcement actions, got early word of the shooting and was on the scene within minutes. He launched a live shot just 25 minutes after the incident — the first among major outlets — and maintained it for over three hours in subzero temperatures as tear gas and flash-bangs punctuated the standoff.

Reporter Jack Brook arrived soon after to provide live updates, while photographer Abbie Parr, who had been covering a sports assignment across town, quickly pivoted and filed the first photos within an hour.

In Washington and New York, investigative reporters Michael Biesecker and Jim Mustian worked to confirm the identity of the victim. Mustian connected with a longtime source who provided Pretti’s name, and Biesecker reached out to family members in Colorado, ultimately gaining their trust. Pretti’s parents gave AP their only on-the-record interview, as well as personal photos and permission to use audio from the call for broadcast.

The result was deeply reported, emotionally resonant coverage that shaped national discourse throughout the day. AP was not only first with the name but provided exclusive family perspective that led the conversation.

Reporters Tim Sullivan, Giovanna Dell’Orto, Sarah Raza and Steve Karnowski reported from across Minneapolis, providing significant contributions from Pretti’s home, protests, news conferences and other locations in subzero temperatures.

Judges praised the team’s speed, coordination and reporting depth on a highly competitive and sensitive breaking story.

For standout news break coverage on a major national story, Biesecker, Mustian, Vancleave, Brook and Parr win this week’s Best of AP — First Winner.