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Minneapolis ICU Nurse Alex Pretti’s Final Veteran Salute Confirmed Authentic
A video showing Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center, honoring a deceased veteran with a final salute has been verified as authentic following his own tragic death in January 2026.
The widely shared footage captures Pretti reading a solemn tribute while standing beside a hospital gurney. In the video, he delivers a moving statement: “Today we remember that freedom is not free. We have to work at it, nurture it, protect it, and even sacrifice for it. May we never forget and always remember our brothers and sisters who have served so that we may enjoy the gift of freedom.”
Mac Randolph, son of the honored veteran, confirmed the video’s authenticity to multiple news outlets. Randolph originally posted the footage on Facebook on January 24, 2026—the same day Pretti was fatally shot by federal immigration agents during protests in Minneapolis related to immigration policy actions.
“RIP Alex Pretti, he was my Dad’s ICU nurse, he read my dad’s final salute at the VA after he passed away,” Randolph wrote in his Facebook post. “Never wanted to share this video but his speech is very on point.”
The video shows Pretti honoring former Air Force Sergeant Terrance Lee Randolph, who died in December 2024 after battling lung cancer. A longer version of the footage includes Pretti reading the veteran’s name and dates of birth and death.
In interviews with Minneapolis CBS affiliate WCCO and CNN, Mac Randolph shared details about Pretti’s impact on his family during his father’s final days. “He didn’t want to continue the route of treatment; he wanted to do hospice. This is when Alex really became someone my family really leaned on and answered a lot of questions during a really difficult time,” Randolph told WCCO.
He described Pretti as bringing a “sense of calm” to the family during a difficult period. Randolph explained to CNN’s Anderson Cooper that he decided to release the video to counter narratives labeling Pretti as a “domestic terrorist” following his death. In a poignant coincidence, Pretti was killed exactly one year after Terrance Randolph’s memorial service.
The American Federation of Government Employees, the union representing VA nurses, released a statement after Pretti’s death expressing their grief: “Today, Alex Jeffrey Pretti, an AFGE Local 3669 member and a nurse at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center who dedicated his life to serving American veterans, was killed during protests in Minneapolis connected to the administration’s immigration actions.”
The union statement continued, “While details of the incident are still emerging, one fact is already clear: this tragedy did not happen in a vacuum. It is the direct result of an administration that has chosen reckless policy, inflammatory rhetoric, and manufactured crisis over responsible leadership and de-escalation.”
Since Pretti’s death, numerous rumors and misinformation have circulated online, including AI-manipulated photographs and false claims that he had been fired from his nursing position due to misconduct. Fact-checking organizations have worked to debunk these false narratives.
The Associated Press and other reputable media outlets have independently verified the authenticity of the veteran salute video, confirming it shows Pretti in his professional capacity as an ICU nurse honoring a veteran patient who had passed away.
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9 Comments
It’s heartening to see nurses like Pretti going above and beyond to honor their patients, even after they’ve passed. His final tribute to the veteran is a testament to his professionalism and humanity. It’s a shame he lost his own life, but his legacy of caring will surely live on.
I’m glad the video was confirmed as authentic. It’s important to document these moments of compassion and respect, especially for those who have served our country. Pretti’s words about the cost of freedom are a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by our veterans.
Pretti’s tribute is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by our veterans and the healthcare workers who care for them. It’s tragic that he was taken from us, but his commitment to honoring those who served will not be forgotten. This is a powerful and moving moment.
I’m struck by the sincerity and reverence in Pretti’s words. He clearly had a deep respect for the veteran and the principles of freedom and service that he represented. It’s heartbreaking that Pretti’s own life was cut short, but his legacy of compassion will endure.
The fact that Pretti’s son-in-law confirmed the video’s authenticity lends it an extra layer of credibility. It’s clear this was a meaningful moment for the veteran’s family, and I’m glad they were able to share it with the world. Pretti’s words and actions are truly inspiring.
Pretti’s tribute is a powerful reminder of the humanity and compassion that can exist even in the most difficult of circumstances. His words and actions speak volumes about his character and the importance of honoring those who have served. It’s a tragedy that he was taken from us, but his legacy will live on.
This video is a testament to the profound connection that can exist between healthcare workers and their patients, even in the face of death. Pretti’s tribute to the veteran is a moving display of empathy and respect. It’s a shame he didn’t get to see it shared with the world.
The fact that this video has been verified as authentic is important, as it ensures that Pretti’s final act of honor is preserved and shared as he intended. His words about the cost of freedom are a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by our veterans and the people who care for them.
This is a powerful and moving tribute to a dedicated nurse who honored a veteran’s sacrifice. The video captures the solemnity and respect Pretti showed in his final salute. It’s tragic that he was taken too soon, but his actions speak volumes about his character and commitment.