MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The community of Minneapolis is reeling after the tragic loss of Alex Pretti, a dedicated ICU nurse, who was shot and killed by Border Patrol officers during a recent protest. Pretti, 37, was described by those who knew him as kind and generous, deeply devoted to his profession and to the well-being of others.
Family members and friends have come forward to challenge the portrayal by some government officials, which labeled Pretti as a domestic terrorist. His father, Michael Pretti, expressed disbelief over this characterization, insisting that his son was nothing but compassionate and caring. He cared deeply about people and was upset by the current immigration policies in our country. He thought it was terrible to see families torn apart, he said.
In a poignant video shared on social media, Pretti bids farewell to a veteran he cared for at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, stating, We remember that freedom is not free, and we must protect and nurture it. This sentiment resonated with many, highlighting his dedication to service.
Pretti’s family reported that he frequently participated in protests against the immigration crackdown implemented during the Trump administration, expressing concern for marginalized individuals. He did participate in protests because he believed in the cause, said his father, underscoring that Pretti was not violent but rather a peaceful advocate for change.
On the day of the shooting, officials claim Pretti approached Border Patrol officers brandishing a handgun. However, witnesses have said he appeared to hold a phone rather than a weapon. His family stated he had a permit to carry a concealed weapon, yet they had never seen him use it provocatively.
After hearing the news, the Pretti family struggled to obtain information about their son's death, indicating a lack of communication from authorities. They reasserted their desire for the truth, stating that Alex was a good man who deserved to be remembered for his kindness and dedication to helping others.
A vigil has been held at the site of Pretti's death, with friends and community members lighting candles and leaving flowers in his memory, while calling for accountability and justice.
Ultimately, Alex Pretti's legacy may lie not only in his career as a nurse but in his compassion and the impact he made on the lives of those around him.
