Alex Pretti: man killed by federal officer remembered as ICU nurse, community advocate

MINNEAPOLIS: Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old registered nurse at a Veterans Affairs hospital, was fatally shot by a US Border Patrol officer in Minneapolis on Saturday, leaving family, neighbors, and colleagues grappling with grief and confusion over the circumstances.

Pretti, a lifelong advocate for social justice, had participated in protests opposing federal immigration enforcement, including demonstrations sparked by earlier deaths involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). His family described him as a man of empathy and principle, deeply troubled by policies he viewed as unjust.

“He cared about people deeply and he was very upset about what was happening in Minneapolis and across the country,” said Michael Pretti, Alex’s father. “He thought it was terrible, the way families were being torn apart. He felt compelled to stand up for what was right.”

Federal authorities said Pretti was armed with a 9 mm handgun when he “approached” officers. Bystander footage, however, shows him holding a cellphone and shielding a woman from pepper spray, with no visible weapon in his hands. Pretti’s family confirmed he legally owned a handgun but said he rarely carried it outside his home.

The shooting has sparked questions about federal enforcement tactics in urban areas, especially amid the Trump administration’s intensified immigration crackdown. Minneapolis Governor Tim Walz, a Democrat, said he had been in contact with the White House following the incident.

For those who knew him, Pretti’s life was defined by caring for others. He grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and was active in sports and the Boy Scouts. After earning a biology degree from the University of Minnesota, he worked as a research scientist before becoming a registered nurse. Friends and neighbors described him as quiet, warmhearted, and ready to help anyone in need.

“He had a great heart,” said neighbor Sue Gitar. “If there was ever something happening in the building, he would jump in without hesitation. He wasn’t just a good neighbor, he was a good person.”

Pretti was also an outdoors enthusiast, passionate about cycling, and devoted to his dog, Joule, who passed away last year. His mother recalled his concern for environmental issues and his frustration with what he saw as careless treatment of the land.

The family expressed frustration with the lack of clear information from authorities in the wake of his death. “The lies told about our son are reprehensible and disgusting,” they said in a written statement, calling for an accurate portrayal of his life and actions.

As Minneapolis continues to wrestle with the implications of federal immigration enforcement, Pretti’s story highlights the human cost behind headlines: an individual who combined civic engagement with compassion and a commitment to helping others, cut tragically short.