MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Family members report that Alex Jeffrey Pretti, 37, who was shot and killed by a federal officer during a protest in Minneapolis, was a dedicated intensive care nurse at the Veterans Administration. He was passionate about caring for others and was significantly affected by President Donald Trump's immigration policies. Pretti was known as an avid outdoor enthusiast who fondly remembered his deceased Catahoula Leopard dog, Joule. His family noted that he actively participated in protests after the shooting of Renee Good, a victim of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enforcement earlier this month.
Pretti was a U.S. citizen with no prior criminal record, having only received minor traffic tickets. His father, Michael Pretti, expressed that their family had discussed safety tips with Alex prior to his protests, urging him not to escalate any situation. “He cared about people deeply and was very upset with what was happening in Minneapolis and throughout the United States with ICE, as millions of other people are upset. He felt that doing the protesting was a way to express that care for others,” Michael stated.
The Department of Homeland Security reported that Pretti was shot after approaching Border Patrol officers while armed with a 9 mm semiautomatic handgun. The family clarified that while he owned a handgun and held a concealed carry permit, they were unaware of him carrying the weapon during protests. After learning about the incident through an AP reporter, the family struggled to receive information from various authorities until finally reaching the Hennepin County Medical Examiner, who confirmed the identity of their son. The investigation continues as the family seeks answers on the tragic event.
Pretti was a U.S. citizen with no prior criminal record, having only received minor traffic tickets. His father, Michael Pretti, expressed that their family had discussed safety tips with Alex prior to his protests, urging him not to escalate any situation. “He cared about people deeply and was very upset with what was happening in Minneapolis and throughout the United States with ICE, as millions of other people are upset. He felt that doing the protesting was a way to express that care for others,” Michael stated.
The Department of Homeland Security reported that Pretti was shot after approaching Border Patrol officers while armed with a 9 mm semiautomatic handgun. The family clarified that while he owned a handgun and held a concealed carry permit, they were unaware of him carrying the weapon during protests. After learning about the incident through an AP reporter, the family struggled to receive information from various authorities until finally reaching the Hennepin County Medical Examiner, who confirmed the identity of their son. The investigation continues as the family seeks answers on the tragic event.
