Family members have revealed that the man fatally shot by a federal officer in Minneapolis on Saturday was an intensive care nurse at the Veterans Administration, known for his profound compassion and distress over President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown in the city.
A Life Dedicated to Care and Advocacy
Alex Jeffrey Pretti, 37, served as an ICU nurse, where colleagues and loved ones describe him as someone who cared deeply about people. His father, Michael Pretti, emphasised that his son was very upset with the situation involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minneapolis and across the United States, mirroring the concerns of millions of others.
Pretti was a U.S. citizen born in Illinois, with court records indicating no criminal history beyond a few traffic tickets. His family stated he had no prior significant interactions with law enforcement, painting a picture of a law-abiding individual dedicated to his profession and community.
Involvement in Protests and Family Concerns
In the weeks leading up to the incident, Pretti had participated in protests following the killing of Renee Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Law Enforcement officer earlier in the month. His parents, residing in Wisconsin, recalled a recent conversation where they urged him to be cautious while protesting.
Michael Pretti recounted advising his son to protest without engaging in risky behaviour, to which Alex assured them he understood and would act responsibly. This highlights the family's awareness of his activism and their attempts to ensure his safety during demonstrations.
Contradictory Accounts of the Shooting
The Department of Homeland Security reported that the man was shot after approaching U.S. Border Patrol officers with a 9 mm semiautomatic handgun. However, officials did not clarify if Pretti brandished the weapon, and bystander video obtained by The Associated Press does not show a visible gun.
Family members acknowledged that Pretti owned a handgun and held a permit to carry a concealed handgun in Minnesota, but they emphasised they had never known him to carry it, raising questions about the circumstances of the encounter.
Family's Struggle for Information
The Pretti family first learned of the shooting through a call from an Associated Press reporter. After viewing the video, they suspected the victim was their son and attempted to contact Minnesota officials for confirmation.
Michael Pretti expressed frustration on Saturday, stating that police directed them to Border Patrol, which was closed, and hospitals refused to answer questions. Eventually, they reached out to the Hennepin County Medical Examiner, who confirmed having a body matching their son's name and description.
Personal Life and Legacy
Beyond his nursing career, Alex Pretti was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed adventures with his beloved Catahoula Leopard dog, Joule, who had recently passed away. This detail adds a personal dimension to his story, illustrating a life filled with passion for nature and companionship.
The incident underscores ongoing tensions in Minneapolis related to immigration enforcement and protest movements, with Pretti's death highlighting the human cost of such conflicts. His background as a healthcare professional dedicated to caring for veterans further complicates the narrative, prompting broader discussions about justice and accountability in law enforcement interactions.
