Who Was Alex Jeffrey Pretti?

Minneapolis is reeling after federal immigration agents shot and killed a local intensive care nurse, identified as 37-year-old Alex Jeffrey Pretti, during a high-tension enforcement operation.

The fatal encounter — the latest in a string of controversial federal actions in the city — has prompted protests, political responses, and deepening tensions between local and federal authorities over use of force and transparency.

Who Was Alex Pretti?

Authorities confirmed that the man fatally shot on January 24, 2026, was Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old Minneapolis resident and registered nurse working in the intensive care unit at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Pretti had no serious criminal history aside from minor traffic issues and was known by colleagues and family as a compassionate healthcare professional dedicated to veteran care.

In addition to his nursing work, Pretti had studied biology and the environment and previously worked in scientific research. Friends and neighbors remembered him as quiet, community-oriented, and deeply committed to his work and local impacts.

The Shooting of Alex Pretti and the Federal Account

Federal officials, including the Department of Homeland Security, characterize the incident as part of an ongoing immigration enforcement operation. According to their initial statements, Pretti approached agents with a weapon and “violently resisted” efforts to disarm him, prompting an agent to fire “defensive shots.”

Homeland Security spokespeople said the officers involved were conducting a targeted mission when the encounter unfolded. They described the shots as necessary after the suspect allegedly threatened officers.

Video, Witnesses, and Local Response

Local leaders and bystander footage — including videos circulating widely on social platforms — paint a sharply different picture. Multiple clips show Pretti holding a phone and filming agents before being wrestled to the ground, pepper-sprayed, and subdued. In those recordings, it is not evident that he brandished a firearm before or at the moment of the shooting.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara noted that Pretti was a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry, but said the available video raises serious questions about the official narrative. State and local officials have demanded transparency and cooperation from federal investigators.

Community Reaction and Protests

Pretti’s death has fueled significant public outcry. Residents, healthcare workers, and civil rights advocates protested following the shooting, decrying what they see as excessive force and a pattern of aggressive federal immigration tactics in Minneapolis.

Demonstrations continued in the Whittier neighborhood and beyond, even as community members mourned Pretti’s loss and demanded accountability. Supporters highlighted his work as a VA nurse — a role that brought him into close contact with vulnerable populations.

Broader Context and Political Fallout

This incident is the latest in a series of controversial federal actions in Minnesota, which have included other fatal shootings during enforcement efforts. The deaths have intensified debate over federal authority, local autonomy, and appropriate use of force, particularly amid immigration policy crackdowns.

Local officials have accused federal authorities of a lack of transparency and cooperation. They are pushing for independent investigations and clearer evidence access to build a shared understanding of events.

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