A powerful tool of resistance is already in your hands
The Verge
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A powerful tool of resistance is already in your hands—in this case, a smartphone. The New York Times analyzed an eyewitness video showing Alex Pretti holding his phone as federal agents tackled him. Despite claiming self-defense, agents fired nine shots at Pretti, who was legally carrying a gun but did not appear to brandish it during the encounter. The incident raises questions about the use of force and the role of technology in documenting and resisting authority.
Pretti was reportedly using his phone to record interactions with law enforcement, a practice increasingly common among activists and citizens seeking accountability. This act of documentation became a tool of resistance, capturing an altercation that ultimately led to serious consequences. The video, analyzed frame by frame, shows Pretti raising one hand while holding the phone in the other, moments before being tackled and shot.
The case highlights the legal gray areas surrounding the use of force against individuals carrying weapons or using technology to monitor authorities. While the Trump administration defended the agents' actions as self-defense, critics argue that the encounter underscores broader issues of police accountability and the role of tech tools in modern activism. As consumer-tech devices like smartphones become central to both documenting and resisting power structures, such incidents spark debates about digital rights and the limits of law enforcement.
This story matters to readers interested in tech because it illustrates how everyday tools—like phones—are being repurposed for activism and self-defense. It also raises important questions about the balance between personal freedoms and public safety, particularly in a tech-driven world where documentation can have life-or-death consequences. The case serves as a reminder of the evolving role of technology in shaping social dynamics and challenging authority.
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Originally published on The Verge on 2/14/2026