Alex Pretti, remembered as a kind and caring intensive care nurse, spent his tragic final moments attempting to shield others before being shot by a masked ICE agent in Minneapolis. The 37-year-old American citizen was gunned down on Saturday, January 24, in an incident that has drawn parallels to the recent killing of mother-of-three Renee Good, occurring just over a mile from where she lost her life earlier this month.
Eyewitness Accounts Challenge Official Narrative
According to multiple eyewitnesses, Alex Pretti was protesting against an ongoing immigration crackdown in Minneapolis when events took a horrifying turn. Witnesses report that he was trying to assist a woman who had been shoved to the ground by federal agents when he was tackled by multiple ICE officers. One federal agent then sprayed a chemical agent in the faces of both Alex and the woman he was aiding.
A woman who filmed the scene from mere feet away provided sworn testimony stating, "The agents pulled the man on the ground. I didn't see him touch any of them - he wasn't even turned toward them. It didn't look like he was trying to resist, just trying to help the woman up. I didn't see him with a gun. They threw him to the ground. Four or five agents had him on the ground and they just started shooting him."
Contradictory Statements from Authorities
Homeland Security issued a statement alleging that Alex Pretti had "approached" officers while carrying a 9mm semi-automatic handgun and two magazines, claiming he "violently resisted" attempts to disarm him. However, officials have not specified whether Alex brandished the weapon, which is not visible in bystander footage obtained by The Associated Press.
President Donald Trump addressed the shooting during a weekend press conference, stating, "I don't like any shooting. I don't like it. But I don't like it when somebody goes into a protest, and he's got a very powerful, fully-loaded gun with two magazines loaded up with bullets also. That doesn't play good either."
Aftermath and Medical Neglect Allegations
Following the shooting, witnesses claim that ICE agents stepped away from Alex's motionless body without attempting to revive him. A doctor who witnessed the event testified that federal officers initially prevented medical intervention and seemed more focused on counting bullet wounds than performing CPR.
It's been reported that gathered crowds shouted at federal officers, calling them "cowards" and telling them to go home. One officer allegedly responded mockingly as he walked away, telling the angered crowds, "Boo hoo."
Family Outrage and Video Evidence
Alex Pretti's family has vehemently disputed the administration's narrative, issuing a statement that reads, "The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting. Alex is clearly not holding a gun when attacked by Trump's murdering and cowardly ICE thugs."
Video evidence from multiple angles appears to support the family's claims, showing Alex holding a phone rather than a gun during the altercation. Footage reveals that a concealed gun was removed from his waistband by an agent moments before his death, though family members clarify that while Alex owned a handgun with a permit, they had never known him to carry it.
Community Mourning and Legacy
Alex Pretti's death has sparked widespread grief and outrage across the United States and beyond. He worked at the Veterans Affairs Medical Centre in Minneapolis, where he was known for his compassionate care. A moving video shared by Mac Randolph shows Alex reading a heartfelt tribute to a veteran he had treated, surrounded by fellow nurses as he gave a touching final salute.
Mac Randolph commented on social media, "RIP Alex Pretti. I never wanted to share this video, but his speech is very on point. My father’s final words to me were to continue to fight the good fight. He would be honoured by Alex’s sacrifice and ashamed of this current administration."
The incident continues to raise serious questions about law enforcement conduct during immigration protests, with eyewitness testimonies challenging official accounts and highlighting concerns about transparency and accountability in such operations.
