Tributes Flow for Nurse Alex Pretti, Killed by Federal Agents in Minneapolis
Friends, family, and colleagues of Alex Pretti have united in grief and outrage following his fatal shooting by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, vehemently rejecting official characterisations of the 37-year-old intensive care nurse as an agitator. The incident, captured in now-viral footage, shows Pretti being tackled and shot while filming enforcement operations, sparking widespread condemnation and heartfelt remembrances of a man described as the epitome of kindness and service.
A Childhood Friend Remembers His Smile and Kindness
Travis Vanden Heuvel, a childhood friend who met Pretti through the Green Bay Boy Choir, expressed profound shock upon learning the victim's identity. "My initial reaction was shock. With this happening just a state away in Minnesota, it already felt close to home," Vanden Heuvel told the Guardian. "When I found out that I knew the name of the victim, and I had memories associated with that name, it became even more real and tragic."
He vividly recalled Pretti's enduring positivity, noting "the first thing that comes to mind when I think of Alex was his smile. He was someone who was always very happy and energetic, a very kind person." Vanden Heuvel emphasised that Pretti would "always ask how you were doing or what you were up to," a trait that made his career as a nurse unsurprising. "He represents the best of us," he asserted, believing Pretti was acting in "service and love to his community and his neighbours."
Outrage Over Official Narratives and Character Assassination
The shooting has ignited fierce criticism of the Trump administration's response. After the incident, officials claimed Pretti "brandished" a gun and attempted to label him an agitator, with some senior figures even describing him as a "would-be assassin." However, bystander videos clearly show Pretti holding a phone, not a firearm, and indicate he was disarmed before the first shots were fired. State officials confirmed he was licensed to carry the firearm.
Rory Shefchek, another childhood friend, was "shocked and furious" at the killing, describing it as "very clearly an execution of a good man followed by an assassination of character publicly by 'enforcers' of this gross overreach." He called for societal change, stating "this cannot be tolerated."
Pretti's parents, Michael and Susan Pretti, issued a public statement condemning the administration for spreading "sickening lies" about their son, labelling the narrative "reprehensible and disgusting." They remembered him as "a kindhearted soul who cared deeply for his family and friends and also the American veterans whom he cared for."
Colleagues and Friends Paint a Portrait of a Dedicated Caregiver
Kaitlin McLean, a physician and coworker at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, was devastated by the news. "Honestly, I sank to my knees. I really wanted it not to be him," she confessed. McLean described Pretti as "an incredible human being, an incredibly skilled nurse and an incredible person to work with," highlighting his generosity and love for coffee. "He was kind and generous with his time and his smiles," she said, adding he was always willing to brew a pot, even at four in the morning.
McLean emphasised his deep care for veterans, calling him a "patriot" who valued shared American values regardless of political affiliation. "He never hesitated to show anyone kindness and compassion, whether that was a patient, a co-worker, a visitor, or a stranger," she recalled. She noted that just last week, they had discussed the aggressive immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis, and Pretti was "outraged," believing "it was up to all of us to not ignore what was happening."
McLean reflected on his instinct to help, referencing reports that Pretti was assisting a woman pushed by agents before his death. "As healthcare workers, we are trained to put the safety of others in front of our own," she said. "I bet in his mind, there was no hesitation about helping that woman. He didn't have a malicious bone in his body."
Memories from School Days and Community Bonds
JD Atkins, a former high school classmate and fellow choir member, remembered Pretti as a role model. "We just all really wanted to be like him," Atkins said, describing him as "generous, kind, very, very affable and likable." He recalled Pretti's support during a school play, "running lines with him, him just taking that extra time to help me." Atkins shared a touching memory of Pretti reassuring him backstage, "his hand on my shoulder... telling me, you know you're going to be great, it's going to be okay."
Spencer Lent, another choir friend, echoed this sentiment, calling Pretti a "helper" and expressing disbelief that such a tragedy could befall someone "just trying to help." Lent described him as focused and humorous, admitting "I've just been kind of ebbing between sadness and anger" since learning of his death.
Personal Tributes Highlight His Passions and Character
Online tributes have flooded in, with friends describing Pretti as "quick to smile and laugh," and "a wonderful ICU nurse." A former nursing student noted he "carried patience, compassion and calm as a steady light within him."
Heather Zielinski, a friend of over a decade, immediately recognised Pretti in the shooting video. "I was like, that is my friend. And the darkness kind of comes over you in that moment, and then the sorrow, and then the anger," she said, firmly stating "this was not an agitator. The federal government is lying about him." She remembered his intelligence, humour, and passion for nature and biking, suggesting he would want his legacy to include protecting public wild lands.
Annette Neist, a neighbour, fondly recalled dog walks with Pretti and his Catahoula leopard dog, Joule. She described him as "very kind, thoughtful, well spoken, empathetic" and always smiling. Neist mentioned how Pretti spoke lovingly of his work with veterans, "how much he loved his 'old guys' and how affected he was when he'd lose one of them." Upon hearing the news, she said it took her "breath away," and she has since placed roses and a candle outside his home. "He was a kind, compassionate human who cared about people and would do anything to help. Let that be his legacy," she urged.
In honour of his memory, a community bike ride has been organised in Wisconsin this weekend, reflecting his love for cycling and the outdoors. As tributes continue to pour in, those who knew Alex Pretti remain steadfast in their mission to preserve his true character against what they see as a malicious official narrative.
