MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Family members shared struggles and sentiments following the killing of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a devoted intensive care nurse at the Veterans Administration, shot by a federal officer in Minneapolis.
At 37, Pretti passionately cared for his patients and voiced his concerns over President Donald Trump’s strict immigration policies, which have significantly impacted the community. He frequently attended protests, including those following the death of another individual, Renee Good, who lost her life due to enforcement actions earlier this month.
He cared deeply about people and was very upset with what was happening in Minneapolis and throughout the United States with ICE, like millions of others, said Michael Pretti, Alex's father. He explained that Alex saw protesting as a means to express his concerns for the community.
Born in Illinois, Pretti was a U.S. citizen with no prior criminal record and limited interactions with law enforcement. His parents had previously warned him to remain cautious during protests, advising against engaging in confrontations.
The Department of Homeland Security claimed that the situation escalated when Pretti approached U.S. Border Patrol officers while presumably armed. However, family representatives state that he had a permit to carry but were unaware of him regularly doing so.
After learning of the shooting through a reporter, the Pretti family struggled to receive updates from law enforcement, only to confirm through the Hennepin County Medical Examiner that their worst fears were true.
As the community mourns, questions around the use of lethal force by officers during peaceful protests remain pivotal in the discussion surrounding immigration enforcement and civil rights.
At 37, Pretti passionately cared for his patients and voiced his concerns over President Donald Trump’s strict immigration policies, which have significantly impacted the community. He frequently attended protests, including those following the death of another individual, Renee Good, who lost her life due to enforcement actions earlier this month.
He cared deeply about people and was very upset with what was happening in Minneapolis and throughout the United States with ICE, like millions of others, said Michael Pretti, Alex's father. He explained that Alex saw protesting as a means to express his concerns for the community.
Born in Illinois, Pretti was a U.S. citizen with no prior criminal record and limited interactions with law enforcement. His parents had previously warned him to remain cautious during protests, advising against engaging in confrontations.
The Department of Homeland Security claimed that the situation escalated when Pretti approached U.S. Border Patrol officers while presumably armed. However, family representatives state that he had a permit to carry but were unaware of him regularly doing so.
After learning of the shooting through a reporter, the Pretti family struggled to receive updates from law enforcement, only to confirm through the Hennepin County Medical Examiner that their worst fears were true.
As the community mourns, questions around the use of lethal force by officers during peaceful protests remain pivotal in the discussion surrounding immigration enforcement and civil rights.
