Minneapolis Community Mourns Loss of Compassionate ICU Nurse
The city of Minneapolis is in mourning following the fatal shooting of intensive care nurse Alex Pretti by Border Patrol officers. As tributes pour in, family members and colleagues are fiercely contesting the Trump administration's characterisation of the 37-year-old as a violent "domestic terrorist."
A Life Dedicated to Care and Community
Alex Pretti worked as a dedicated nurse at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, where he provided compassionate care to ailing veterans. His family describes him as a kind and warm-hearted individual who was deeply troubled by President Donald Trump's immigration policies in his city. Pretti had participated in protests following the January 7th killing of Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer, demonstrating his commitment to social justice causes.
In a poignant 2024 social media video, Pretti can be seen paying tribute to veteran Terrance Lee Randolph at the hospital. Wearing navy blue scrubs, he solemnly states, "Today we remember that freedom is not free. We have to work for it, nurture it, protect it, and even sacrifice for it." Randolph's son, Mac Randolph, recalled how Pretti cared for his father in his final days and found these words particularly resonant after Saturday's tragic events.
Contested Circumstances of the Shooting
The Department of Homeland Security claims Pretti was shot after "approaching" Border Patrol officers with a 9mm semiautomatic handgun. However, officials have not specified whether he brandished the weapon. Bystander videos circulating after the incident show Pretti holding a mobile phone, with no visible weapon in his hands.
While family members acknowledge Pretti owned a handgun and had a Minnesota concealed carry permit, they insist they had never known him to carry it. His ex-wife, who spoke anonymously, confirmed he obtained the permit about three years ago but described him as someone who might shout at law enforcement during protests rather than engage in physical confrontation.
Family's Struggle for Information and Truth
Pretti's parents, who reside in Colorado, first learned of the shooting through an Associated Press reporter. They experienced immense difficulty obtaining information from authorities, with Michael Pretti stating, "I can't get any information from anybody. The police said call Border Patrol, Border Patrol's closed, the hospitals won't answer any questions." Eventually, the Hennepin County Medical Examiner confirmed they had a body matching their son's description.
The family has expressed both heartbreak and anger at official statements suggesting their son was a terrorist. In a written response, they declared, "The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting." They maintain that videos show Pretti was holding his phone and shielding a pepper-sprayed woman when federal agents tackled him.
Remembering a Multifaceted Individual
Neighbours in Pretti's four-unit condominium building, located about two miles from the shooting site, remember him as quiet and warm-hearted. Sue Gitar, who lived downstairs, described him as "a wonderful person" with "a great heart" who would help with neighbourhood concerns. While aware he occasionally took a rifle to shooting ranges, neighbours were surprised by suggestions he might carry a pistol on the streets.
Beyond his nursing career, Pretti was an avid outdoorsman who cherished adventures with his recently deceased Catahoula Leopard dog, Joule. A competitive bicycle racer and meticulous car enthusiast, he was passionate about environmental protection and deeply concerned about the Trump administration's rollback of environmental regulations. His mother, Susan Pretti, noted, "He hated that people were just trashing the land. He loved this country, but he hated what people were doing to it."
Community Vigil and Ongoing Questions
As light snow fell on Minneapolis Sunday morning, community members gathered at the site of Pretti's death for a makeshift vigil. They lit candles, laid fresh flowers, and arranged pine cones to spell "Long live Alex Pretti." Some bouquets bore a layer of frost from spending the night outdoors, while a few Minneapolis police cars maintained a nearby presence.
The case raises significant questions about use of force, protest policing, and official narratives. With the family still awaiting direct communication from federal law enforcement agencies about their son's death, the community continues to seek answers while honouring the memory of a man described by those who knew him as a dedicated caregiver and compassionate neighbour.
