Minneapolis-based rapper Nur-D says he feared for his life during a protest last weekend following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by U.S. Border Patrol agents, an incident that sparked demonstrations and renewed scrutiny of federal law enforcement activity in the city.
Nur-D, whose real name is Matthew James Obidiah Allen, said he attended the Jan. 24 protest to express opposition to the killing and to exercise his First Amendment rights. Known primarily for his work as a recording artist, Nur-D said the circumstances compelled him to leave the studio and enter a volatile public space.
“This is life or death,” Nur-D said in an interview. “You can die for saying you disagree.” He said his presence at the protest was motivated by grief and anger and a belief that remaining silent was not an option.
According to Nur-D, conditions at the protest deteriorated quickly. He described flash-bang devices detonating and tear gas filling the area. He said he attempted to move calmly through the crowd with his hands raised to signal compliance.
Nur-D alleged that he was grabbed from behind by an unknown individual and began running. He said federal agents then forced him to the ground and informed him that he was under arrest for assaulting a federal officer.
Minneapolis Rapper Nur-D Speaks On Protest Arrest
He further alleged that he was struck in the back by a projectile during the takedown. While on the ground, Nur-D said he believed he might be killed and began repeating his full legal name and citizenship status.
“I said my name is Matthew James Obidiah Allen. I am a United States citizen. Did nothing wrong,” he said.
Nur-D said he was ultimately released and did not provide details on whether formal charges were filed. He described the encounter as traumatic and said it reinforced his concerns about the presence of federal agents in Minnesota.
“I’m grateful I’m alive,” Nur-D said. “I can hug my wife. I can see my friends. That wasn’t guaranteed in that moment.”
Nur-D confirmed that he has retained legal counsel and intends to pursue potential legal action against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Border Patrol. He did not specify the claims under consideration.
The agencies involved did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Nur-D said the experience will inform his future work as an artist and storyteller. He described the protest as a turning point and said he plans to use his platform to document what he views as systemic harm.
“I get to use my voice,” he said. “We are done with this.”
Leave a Reply