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As Minneapolis mourns the loss of intensive care nurse Alex Pretti, family and friends are challenging official claims that he was a “domestic terrorist” who threatened Border Patrol officers before being fatally shot.
Pretti, 37, a respected nurse at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, was remembered by colleagues and patients’ families for his compassion and dedication. A social media video shows him delivering a final salute to Air Force veteran Terrance Lee Randolph, stating, “Today we remember that freedom is not free. We have to work for it, nurture it, protect it, and even sacrifice for it.”
Mac Randolph, son of the deceased veteran, described Pretti as “extremely knowledgeable and caring” who treated his father and family “with the utmost dignity and respect.” According to Randolph, Pretti was “truly one of the best of us.”
Family members note that Pretti, born in Illinois and a U.S. citizen, was disturbed by the Trump administration’s immigration policies in Minneapolis. He had participated in protests following the January 7 killing of Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs officer.
“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,” Michael Pretti told the Associated Press shortly after his son’s death. “He thought it was terrible, you know, kidnapping children, just grabbing people off the street.”
The Department of Homeland Security claims Pretti “approached” Border Patrol officers with a 9mm semiautomatic handgun before the shooting. However, bystander videos that emerged afterward appear to show Pretti holding a phone, with no visible weapon. Family members confirmed he owned a handgun with a concealed carry permit but said they had never known him to carry it.
The Pretti family learned of the shooting from an AP reporter, not from authorities. After struggling to get information, they eventually confirmed their son’s death through the Hennepin County Medical Examiner. As of Saturday evening, they said no federal law enforcement agency had contacted them about the incident.
“The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting,” the family stated. They maintain videos show Alex was not holding a gun when confronted by federal agents but was using his phone with one hand while shielding a woman from pepper spray with the other.
Pretti grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he was active in sports, Boy Scouts, and the Green Bay Boy Choir. He graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2011 with a degree in biology, society and environment before working as a research scientist and later becoming a registered nurse.
His ex-wife told the AP she wasn’t surprised he would protest immigration policies. She described him as a Democratic voter who had participated in demonstrations following George Floyd’s killing in 2020, noting he might verbally challenge officers but was never physically confrontational.
Neighbors in Pretti’s condominium building, located about two miles from where he was shot, described him as quiet and warmhearted. “He’s a wonderful person,” said Sue Gitar, a downstairs neighbor. “He has a great heart.” Though they knew he occasionally took a rifle to a shooting range, neighbors expressed surprise at the idea he might carry a pistol in public.
By Sunday morning, community members had established a makeshift vigil at the site of Pretti’s death, with candles, flowers, and pine cones arranged to read “Long live Alex Pretti.”
Beyond his work as a nurse, Pretti was an avid outdoorsman, competitive bicycle racer, and deeply attached to his Catahoula Leopard dog, Joule, who had recently passed away.
His parents said their last conversation with their son occurred days before his death, discussing home repairs. They recalled how he had given a $100 tip to a Latino repairman, mindful of the tensions in Minneapolis.
“He hated that, you know, people were just trashing the land,” Susan Pretti said of her son’s environmental concerns. “He was an outdoorsman. He took his dog everywhere he went. You know, he loved this country, but he hated what people were doing to it.”
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12 Comments
Pretti’s work as an ICU nurse during the pandemic and his tribute to a veteran show his commitment to public service. It’s tragic that his life was cut short under these circumstances. More details are needed to understand what really happened.
I agree, the community’s mourning of Pretti as a caring neighbor and the family’s refutation of the official narrative raise serious questions. A thorough investigation is warranted to ensure accountability and justice.
Tragic loss of a dedicated healthcare worker. Pretti seems to have been a compassionate caregiver who advocated for social justice. His death is heartbreaking and raises concerning questions about the use of force by authorities.
I agree, the details around Pretti’s shooting raise serious issues that warrant a thorough, impartial investigation. His community service and concern for others should be honored.
Pretti’s work as an ICU nurse and his social activism paint a picture of a caring, principled individual. The conflicting narratives around his death raise serious questions that demand a thorough, impartial investigation to uncover the full truth.
The loss of Pretti, a respected healthcare worker known for his compassion and advocacy, is heartbreaking. The discrepancies between the official account and his family’s perspective warrant a thorough, unbiased examination of the incident to uncover the truth and prevent similar tragedies.
This is a complex and troubling situation. While the official narrative portrays Pretti as a threat, his family’s account paints a very different picture of a caring individual dedicated to his community. I hope the full truth comes to light.
Exactly, the conflicting accounts highlight the need for transparency and an independent review of the incident. Nurses like Pretti play a vital role, and their lives should not be lost without clear justification.
This is a heartbreaking story. Pretti seems to have been a compassionate professional who advocated for social justice. His death is tragic and the conflicting accounts are deeply concerning. I hope the full truth emerges through a transparent investigation.
This is a tragic loss for the Minneapolis community. Pretti seems to have been a compassionate caregiver and advocate for social justice. His family’s account challenges the official portrayal, underscoring the need for transparency and accountability around his death.
Pretti’s dedication to public service as an ICU nurse and his social activism are commendable. His death is deeply concerning, and the conflicting narratives highlight the importance of a comprehensive, independent investigation to determine the facts and ensure justice.
The loss of a dedicated healthcare worker like Pretti is devastating. His community service and opposition to unjust policies should be recognized. More clarity is needed around the circumstances of his death to ensure accountability and prevent similar tragedies.