The official cause of death for Alex Pretti, the intensive care nurse fatally shot by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during Minneapolis protests last month, has been formally confirmed as multiple gunshot wounds. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner's office released its findings today, classifying the manner of death as a homicide and explicitly noting that Mr Pretti was shot by law enforcement officer(s).
Medical Examiner's Report Details
The comprehensive report from the medical examiner states that the 37-year-old nurse sustained fatal injuries from multiple gunshot wounds, with no other significant conditions contributing to his death. This official documentation directly addresses the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident that occurred on January 24 in Minneapolis, where Mr Pretti was participating in demonstrations following the earlier fatal shooting of Renée Good by ICE agents in the same city.
Contradictory Accounts of the Incident
According to Department of Homeland Security assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin, the shooting occurred during what she described as a targeted operation against an illegal alien wanted for violent assault. The agency claimed that Mr Pretti approached Border Patrol officers with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun and violently resisted disarmament attempts, prompting an agent to fire defensive shots.
However, disturbing video footage from the scene appears to contradict this official narrative. The recording shows Mr Pretti standing among protesters with both hands clearly visible, holding only his mobile phone. The video captures agents deploying pepper spray at the group before Mr Pretti is seen being pinned to the pavement moments later, with no evidence of him brandishing or reaching for any weapon.
Family and Witness Perspectives
Michael Pretti, the victim's father, spoke emotionally about his son last week, stating: He cared about people deeply and he was very upset with what was happening in Minneapolis and throughout the United States with ICE, as millions of other people are upset. He felt that doing the protesting was a way to express that, you know, his care for others.
Witness accounts suggest that in the moments before his death, Mr Pretti was attempting to assist a woman who had been pepper-sprayed by agents. The nurse, who worked at the Veterans Administration and was described as a passionate outdoor enthusiast who treasured his Catahoula Leopard dog, had no criminal history beyond minor traffic violations according to his family.
Broader Context and Reactions
The shooting has sparked significant outrage across the United States and internationally, including criticism directed toward former President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement policies. The incident represents the second fatal shooting by ICE agents in Minneapolis within weeks, following the death of Renée Good, creating sustained tension in the community regarding immigration enforcement practices.
Demonstrators have continued to march through Minneapolis streets in response to Mr Pretti's death, while memorial sites have emerged where people pay their respects to the nurse remembered for his dedication to helping others both professionally and personally.
