US Border Patrol Shoots ICU Nurse in Minneapolis: Family Denies 'Terrorist' Claims
The tragic shooting of a 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse by a US border patrol officer during a federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis has sparked controversy and grief. Alex Jeffrey Pretti, who worked at a Veterans Affairs hospital caring for American veterans, was killed on Saturday, local time, leaving his family and community in shock.
A Nurse Who Cared Deeply About People
Alex Jeffrey Pretti was a US citizen born in Illinois who resided in south Minneapolis, approximately two miles from the location of the shooting. According to court records and family members, he had no criminal history beyond a few minor traffic violations. His family emphasized that he was deeply compassionate and dedicated to his profession as an ICU nurse for the US Department of Veterans Affairs.
Pretti was reportedly distressed by President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown and had actively participated in protests following the January 7 killing of Renée Good by an immigration and customs enforcement officer. His father, Michael Pretti, told the Associated Press, "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 added that Pretti found the practices of "kidnapping children, just grabbing people off the street" to be terrible and felt compelled to protest against them.
Conflicting Accounts of the Shooting
The Department of Homeland Security stated that Pretti was shot after he approached border patrol officers with a 9 mm semiautomatic handgun. However, officials did not clarify whether the weapon was brandished during the incident. In contrast, bystander videos circulating online depict Pretti holding a phone, with no visible firearm in sight.
Family members acknowledged that Pretti legally owned a handgun and possessed a permit to carry a concealed weapon in Minnesota. Yet, they insisted they had never known him to carry the firearm, raising questions about the circumstances of the shooting.
Family's Plea for Truth and Condemnation of Allegations
Pretti's parents, who reside in Colorado, learned of the shooting through an AP reporter and later confirmed his death with the Hennepin County Medical Examiner. They expressed frustration that no federal law enforcement agency had contacted them directly by Saturday evening.
In response to senior Trump administration officials suggesting Pretti was a "domestic terrorist," the family issued a written statement condemning these claims as "reprehensible and disgusting." They pointed to videos showing Pretti using his free hand to shield a woman being pepper-sprayed, holding only his phone. The family pleaded, "Please get the truth out about our son. He was a good man."
A Life Rooted in Community and Activism
Pretti grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he was active in sports, including football, baseball, and track. He was also a Boy Scout and sang in the Green Bay Boy Choir. After graduating from the University of Minnesota in 2011 with a degree in biology, society, and the environment, he worked as a research scientist before returning to school to become a registered nurse.
His ex-wife revealed that Pretti was a Democratic voter who participated in protests following the 2020 killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. She described him as vocal but not physically confrontational. She also noted that he obtained a concealed-carry permit about three years ago and owned at least one semiautomatic handgun at the time of their separation.
Remembered as a Quiet and Helpful Neighbor
Neighbors in Minneapolis remembered Pretti as a quiet, helpful, and community-oriented individual. Sue Gitar, a resident of the same building, said, "He's a wonderful person. He has a great heart." Despite working long hours as a nurse, Pretti regularly assisted others in his building with various issues.
An avid cyclist and outdoors enthusiast, Pretti was deeply attached to his dog, Joule, who passed away about a year ago. His parents mentioned that environmental issues were also a significant concern for him. His mother, Susan Pretti, reflected, "He loved this country, but he hated what people were doing to it."
The incident has ignited discussions about immigration enforcement practices and the use of force by federal agencies, with Pretti's family and supporters calling for transparency and justice in the investigation.
