Alex Pretti’s Parents Share the Man Behind the Tragedy
In the aftermath of a tragic Minneapolis shooting, Alex Pretti’s parents have opened a window into the life of their son—a 37-year-old ICU nurse whose final hours stand in stark contrast to the official account.
What they revealed—an unexpected clue in his jacket pocket and a brief, 10-word phone call—paints a portrait of a man defined by care, calm, and compassion.
Pretti, an ICU nurse serving military veterans, was fatally shot by U.S. Border Patrol agents on January 24, 2026, during a federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis.
Department of Homeland Security officials described the encounter as a “targeted operation” and claimed Pretti approached officers armed with a handgun and “violently resisted” attempts to disarm him.
Since the shooting, multiple bystander videos and witness statements have challenged that narrative. Footage appears to show Pretti holding a phone—not a firearm—moments before the shooting, raising serious questions about the use of force.
In interviews with the Associated Press, Pretti’s parents, Michael and Susan, shared memories of their son in the days before his death. They recalled ordinary conversations about garage repairs and acts of generosity—like tipping a worker above the expected rate—demonstrating a consistent commitment to kindness even amid unrest in Minneapolis.
The family confirmed that Pretti planned to attend protests related to federal immigration activity but cautioned him to act responsibly. “Go ahead and protest, but do not engage, do not do anything reckless,” his father said. Pretti reassured them he understood.
Court-submitted witness affidavits add further context. One woman driving nearby described Pretti directing traffic, filming the scene on his phone, raising his hands as officers deployed pepper spray, and helping a woman pushed to the ground. A licensed pediatrician attempted to render aid after Pretti was shot, noting that officers initially prevented intervention and delayed checking for a pulse until emergency personnel arrived.
Authorities later confirmed that Pretti suffered multiple gunshot wounds in rapid succession. Amid ongoing investigations, his parents emphasize the need for public discussion grounded in verified facts. They described their son as a “kindhearted soul” who believed in fairness, stepped up for others, and sought to make a positive difference.
Conclusion
In a moment of national debate, the portrait painted by Alex Pretti’s parents reminds the public that behind every headline is a life defined by more than tragedy. Honoring his memory means insisting on clarity, truth, and accountability—and ensuring the world remembers the man he was, not just how he died.