In a tragic incident that has sparked widespread outrage, supporters have raised more than $1 million for the family of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse who was shot and killed by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis. The fundraising effort, hosted on GoFundMe, aims to provide immediate and ongoing support for Pretti's loved ones in the wake of his death.
Details of the Minneapolis Shooting
The shooting occurred on Saturday, January 24, 2026, near 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis. According to open-sourced video footage, Pretti was filming Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents during an operation when he moved to assist individuals on the sidewalk. The agents then pepper-sprayed the group, tackled Pretti, and dragged him to the ground. During the struggle, a gunshot was heard, followed by multiple shots fired while Pretti was on the pavement, with ten shots discharged within five seconds.
Immediately after the shooting, agents backed away from Pretti's body, and one officer, appearing to hold a gun, fled the scene and hid behind a nearby car. This incident comes just three weeks after federal officers fatally shot Renee Good in the same city, raising concerns about the use of force by immigration authorities.
Federal Claims and Counterarguments
The federal government, including President Donald Trump, has claimed that Pretti approached agents with intent to attack using a pistol, allegedly recovered from the scene. However, no evidence has been provided that Pretti ever drew the weapon, and authorities have declined to offer a detailed timeline of the confrontation. Carrying a licensed handgun with a permit is legal in Minnesota, and Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara confirmed that Pretti was a lawful gun owner with a permit.
In a statement, the DHS asserted that Pretti was carrying two magazines' worth of ammunition and lacked identification. Despite this, Pretti's only criminal history consisted of traffic citations, as reported by the Minneapolis Star Tribune, and he had no prior violent offenses.
Background of Alex Pretti
Alex Pretti was a dedicated healthcare professional who worked as an ICU nurse, having obtained his nursing license in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. He had previously worked with the Department of Veterans Affairs, providing critical care to military veterans. His father, Michael Pretti, told the Associated Press that Alex was deeply caring and upset about the actions of ICE in Minneapolis and across the United States, viewing protest as a way to express his concern for others.
Dr. Dimitri Drekonja, an infectious disease doctor and professor at the University of Minnesota, who worked with Pretti at the VA, described him as a skilled and kind nurse with a great attitude. In interviews, Drekonja expressed profound anger over the shooting, highlighting Pretti's commitment to helping critically ill veterans.
Community and Philanthropic Response
The GoFundMe campaign for Pretti's family saw significant contributions, including a $10,000 donation from "William Ackman," identified as billionaire philanthropist Bill Ackman. Ackman, who has become a right-wing influencer on social media and supports the Trump administration's deportation efforts, also donated to a crowdfunding effort for an ICE agent involved in a previous shooting. This has added a layer of controversy to the fundraising efforts.
Pretti's background includes being a graduate of Preble High School in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he was active in choir, musicals, football, baseball, and track. He was also a Boy Scout and sang in the Green Bay Choir, reflecting a well-rounded and community-oriented life. At the time of his death, he was mourning the loss of his beloved Catahoula Leopard dog.
Broader Implications and Reactions
The shooting has ignited protests in Minneapolis, with federal agents deploying tear gas against demonstrators. It underscores ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and civilian populations, particularly in urban areas. The case raises questions about accountability, transparency, and the use of lethal force by federal officers, especially against individuals with no violent criminal history.
As investigations continue, the outpouring of support for Pretti's family through the million-dollar fundraiser highlights the community's grief and demand for justice. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of such confrontations and the need for clearer protocols in federal operations.
