Minnesota Community Demands Answers After ICU Nurse Alex Pretti, 37, Is Fatally Shot by Federal Officers

A Minneapolis neighborhood already on edge from weeks of tension over federal immigration enforcement is now grappling with another fatal shooting — this time involving 37‑year‑old ICU nurse Alex Jeffrey Pretti, who was identified by his parents as the man killed during a confrontation with federal officers on Saturday morning.

A Dedicated Nurse and Community Member

Pretti, a U.S. citizen born in Illinois, worked as an intensive care nurse treating critically ill military veterans at the Minneapolis VA hospital. Colleagues described him as compassionate, politically engaged, and deeply committed to the well‑being of others. His parents said he cared “deeply about people” and had been increasingly upset by the federal government’s immigration enforcement tactics in Minneapolis.

State records confirm that Pretti held an active Minnesota nursing license issued in 2021 and valid through 2026. He previously attended the University of Minnesota and had also worked in health science research. Neighbors described him as gentle, soft‑spoken, and not someone they believed would ever threaten law enforcement.

The Fatal Encounter

The shooting occurred shortly before 9 a.m. near 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue, where Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officers were conducting what they described as a “targeted operation” to apprehend an undocumented individual wanted for violent assault. Federal officials claim Pretti approached officers while armed with a handgun and “violently resisted” attempts to disarm him. DHS later released a photo of a recovered 9mm handgun, stating Pretti carried two magazines and had no identification on him.

However, the bystander video verified by multiple news outlets does not clearly show Pretti brandishing a weapon. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed that Pretti was a lawful gun owner with a valid permit to carry, but emphasized that many details remain unclear. He also noted that more than one federal agent may have fired shots.

Conflicting Accounts and Growing Scrutiny

The DHS narrative has been met with skepticism from local officials and community members. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz publicly rejected early federal claims that Pretti intended to harm officers, calling such assertions “nonsense” and urging the public to rely on verified evidence. He stressed the need for a full state investigation, noting that this was the third fatal shooting by federal officers in Minneapolis in just over two weeks.

Witness accounts and video footage reviewed by journalists show a chaotic scene: multiple agents wrestling Pretti to the ground, the use of pepper spray, and a rapid succession of gunshots fired within seconds. The Associated Press reported that Pretti appeared to be recording agents moments before the confrontation escalated.

A City Already on Edge

The shooting comes amid widespread protests following the earlier killing of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE officer on Jan. 7. Pretti had participated in demonstrations responding to that incident, according to his family. Thousands have taken to the streets in recent weeks, demanding accountability and transparency from federal agencies operating in Minneapolis.

Within hours of Saturday’s shooting, more than 200 protesters gathered near the scene, clashing with federal officers as tear gas filled the air. Community leaders say the city is reaching a breaking point, with residents expressing fear, anger, and exhaustion over repeated violent encounters involving federal agents.

Family Left Searching for Answers

Pretti’s parents learned of their son’s death only after being contacted by a reporter. They said they had recently warned him to stay safe while protesting, but emphasized that he was not someone who sought confrontation. “He cared about people deeply,” his father said, adding that the family had been unable to obtain clear information from authorities.

Ongoing Investigation

State officials have pledged a thorough and independent investigation into the shooting. Minneapolis Police Chief O’Hara reiterated that public video evidence will play a critical role in determining what happened and whether federal officers acted lawfully.

As Minneapolis mourns yet another life lost amid ongoing immigration enforcement operations, the community continues to demand transparency, accountability, and meaningful reform.