A tragic and controversial shooting in Minneapolis has sparked public outrage and left a grieving family demanding answers.
The victim, Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse who cared for American veterans at the VA hospital, was fatally shot by federal officers during what authorities described as a “targeted operation.” Now, his family is pushing back against official claims, insisting that he was not a threat and was trying to help, not harm.
Who was Alex Pretti?
Alex Pretti was a registered nurse who had been caring for patients since 2021, most recently working at the Minneapolis VA hospital. His family describes him as a kind, compassionate person devoted to both his loved ones and the veterans he served.
In a statement shared with CNN, the Pretti family said:
“Alex was a kindhearted soul who cared deeply for his family and friends, and also the American veterans whom he cared for as an ICU nurse… Alex wanted to make a difference in this world.”
Their words paint a picture of a man far different from how federal authorities described him.
The shooting: conflicting accounts
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), federal officers with U.S. Border Patrol were conducting a targeted operation on January 24 around 9:00 a.m., looking for an undocumented person allegedly involved in violent crimes.
DHS claims that Pretti approached officers with a handgun and “violently resisted” attempts to disarm him. A federal agent then reportedly opened fire in what they described as a defensive action.
But Pretti’s family strongly disputes that version of events. In their statement, they claim:
- Alex was not armed
- He was holding a phone in his right hand
- His left hand was raised in a non-threatening posture
- He was allegedly trying to protect a woman who had been pushed down by officers
They describe the officers who shot him as “Trump’s murdering and cowardly ICE thugs”, clearly placing blame on both the federal officers involved and the previous administration’s immigration enforcement tactics, which they believe continue to influence DHS operations.
Police footage and investigation
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara spoke at a press conference shortly after the incident. While he did not give a definitive statement about the shooting itself, he acknowledged the presence of video footage showing the incident and said:
“The video speaks for itself.”
He also confirmed that multiple officers may have fired their weapons, and that the situation involved a scuffle between law enforcement and an individual. However, full details and bodycam footage have not yet been made public.
Public response and protests
Shortly after the shooting, at least 200 protesters gathered near the scene, according to The Associated Press. The crowd demanded accountability and transparency in what they believed was an unjustified use of deadly force.
The shooting has added fuel to ongoing tensions between local residents and federal law enforcement agencies, especially over how immigration-related operations are carried out in urban communities.
Family demands truth and justice
In their emotional plea, Pretti’s family made it clear they do not accept the DHS narrative. They have called on the public and media to share the truth about what happened, saying:
“Please get the truth out about our son. He was a good man. Thank you.”
They also criticised what they called “sickening lies” from federal officials and called out the broader system they believe led to their son’s death.
