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False Claims Circulating About Minneapolis ICU Nurse Killed by Federal Agents
A wave of misinformation has swept across social media regarding Alex Pretti, the 37-year-old Intensive Care Unit nurse who was shot and killed by federal agents in Minneapolis last Saturday. BBC Verify has investigated these claims and found them to be false.
The most prominent falsehood, which has gained significant traction online, comes from a post on X that has been viewed nearly two million times. This post alleges that Pretti had been terminated from his hospital position “amid multiple complaints of inappropriate behavior” – a claim that has no basis in fact.
The source of this disinformation appears to be an article published on a website called Buzzreport247. The site claims that Pretti was fired from “Lakeshore Medical Center” in October 2025 due to misconduct allegations, including accusations of “unwanted physical contact” with patients or colleagues.
Upon closer examination, the Buzzreport247 article shows multiple red flags indicating it was likely generated by artificial intelligence. These include the excessive use of hyphens throughout the text and duplicate stories appearing repeatedly on the site’s front page – common indicators of AI-generated content.
The article also contains obvious factual inaccuracies. It incorrectly states that Pretti was 42 years old, when official sources have confirmed he was 37 at the time of his death. Perhaps most tellingly, an exhaustive search reveals that no “Lakeshore Medical Center” exists in the United States. While a facility with that name operates in Abu Dhabi, there is no evidence whatsoever that Pretti was ever employed there.
In contrast to these fabrications, verified information from the U.S. Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee confirms that Pretti was employed at a veterans hospital in Minneapolis at the time of his death. This is further corroborated by footage obtained by the Associated Press from December 2024, showing Pretti in a hospital corridor paying tribute to a deceased veteran.
This incident follows a disturbing pattern of misinformation targeting victims of law enforcement actions. A similar case occurred recently involving Renee Good, who was also killed by federal agents in Minneapolis. In her case, a fabricated criminal record was circulated online – a falsehood that BBC Verify previously debunked.
The rapid spread of these false claims highlights the growing challenge of misinformation in high-profile cases. Social media platforms continue to serve as vectors for unverified and often malicious content that can damage reputations and mislead public understanding of tragic events.
Media literacy experts note that such disinformation typically emerges in the information vacuum that follows controversial incidents, particularly those involving law enforcement. The fabricated narratives often attempt to discredit victims or justify the actions taken against them.
For those seeking accurate information about developing news stories, experts recommend relying on established news organizations with verification processes rather than unattributed claims circulating on social media or unknown websites.
The Minneapolis incident remains under investigation by appropriate authorities, who have not released any information suggesting impropriety on Pretti’s part prior to his death.
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18 Comments
This case highlights the importance of critical thinking and media literacy. We should all be wary of unverified claims, no matter how convincing they may appear, and seek out authoritative sources when trying to understand complex issues.
Well said. Developing these skills is crucial in an age of information overload and increasingly sophisticated disinformation campaigns.
Losing a loved one is always tragic, and my condolences go out to Alex Pretti’s family and friends. However, it’s important that the public discourse around this incident remains grounded in facts, not misinformation. Responsible journalism is crucial in these situations.
You make a good point. Maintaining a respectful and fact-based dialogue, even in the face of tragedy, is the best way to honor the victim and seek justice.
This situation underscores the need for increased media literacy education. Empowering people to critically evaluate online information and identify potential disinformation is key to combating the spread of false narratives.
That’s a great point. Equipping the public with the skills to navigate the modern information landscape is an important step in protecting against the harmful effects of misinformation.
The false claims about Alex Pretti’s background are deeply troubling. It’s a stark reminder that we must approach online information with a healthy dose of skepticism and always strive to separate fact from fiction.
Exactly. Spreading misinformation, even unintentionally, can have serious consequences. We all have a responsibility to be discerning consumers of information.
Investigating and debunking false claims is an important service that the BBC and other reputable news outlets provide. Their efforts help maintain public trust and ensure that important conversations are grounded in reality.
I agree. Fact-checking is a crucial part of journalism, and it’s commendable that the BBC is taking the time to verify the details in this case.
This is a troubling case of misinformation circulating online. It’s important to rely on credible sources like the BBC to verify facts, rather than unsubstantiated claims. Spreading false narratives can have real consequences.
Absolutely. Fact-checking is crucial, especially for sensitive topics like this. We should be cautious about sharing unverified information, no matter how compelling it may seem.
The BBC’s diligence in verifying the facts around this case is admirable. It’s a model for other news organizations to follow, as we all work to uphold journalistic integrity and maintain public trust in the face of rampant misinformation.
Absolutely. Responsible reporting and fact-checking are essential for ensuring the public has access to accurate, reliable information, especially on sensitive topics like this.
It’s concerning to see false claims gaining traction online, especially around such a sensitive topic. The BBC’s fact-checking efforts are commendable, as they help cut through the noise and provide the public with reliable information.
Absolutely. Credible media outlets like the BBC play a vital role in combating the spread of misinformation and ensuring the public has access to the truth.
The details around this shooting are still emerging, and it’s understandable that people want answers. However, it’s vital that we don’t jump to conclusions or amplify unproven claims, as that can further sow confusion and mistrust.
Agreed. In times like these, it’s best to wait for the full facts to come to light through credible investigations, rather than speculating or spreading unverified narratives.