The post and the context
On January 25, Minnesota State Representative Mohamud Noor posted a memorial message after Alex Pretti was shot and killed during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis. Noor called for safety, transparency, and accountability in his message. The death of Mr. Pretti is a serious matter and condolences are due to his family and community as authorities continue to examine what happened.
What changed about the photo
The image Noor used in the post appears markedly different from the original, lower resolution photo circulated earlier. Observers say the photo shows smoother skin, fuller hair, and sharpened facial features in a way that looks like AI enhancement or heavy filtering. Whether the change was intentional or accidental, the result is an image that does not match the known original picture of Mr. Pretti.
Public reaction and online comparisons
Responses on social media were immediate. Some users pointed to side-by-side comparisons to show the differences. Others questioned why an elected official would present an altered image in a memorial message, saying it could affect public perception of the person who died. The post drew both criticism and calls for an explanation from Noor or his office.
Why the image matters
Images shape how people feel about events and victims. When a public official shares a photo that looks edited, it raises questions about judgment and intent. The issue is not just aesthetic. It is about trust. Officials are expected to be careful with facts and with how they present a serious incident. Using an altered image in a memorial can undermine credibility and deepen divisions during an already tense moment.
About Representative Noor
Mohamud Noor represents District 60B in the Minnesota House. He was born in Somalia and came to the United States in 1999. He previously worked with the Confederation of Somali Community in Minnesota. As of this report, Noor has not issued a public explanation about the image choice in his memorial post.
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