At a Glance
- Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, was fatally shot by U.S. Border Patrol officers on Jan. 24, 2026 in Minneapolis.
- DHS officials said he was armed with a handgun and “violently resisted”; footage shows he was holding a phone and not a weapon.
- Pretti’s family and colleagues described him as a kind, skilled nurse who cared deeply for veterans and the community.
Why it matters: The incident raises questions about the conduct of federal officers during protest-related operations and the accuracy of official statements.
Alex Pretti was a dedicated ICU nurse whose life was cut short on Jan. 24, 2026 when federal officers opened fire during a protest in Minneapolis. The incident sparked intense scrutiny of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) account and led to an ongoing investigation.
Background
Pretti grew up in Green Bay, Wis., where he attended Preble High School. He played football, baseball, and ran track, and also sang in the Green Bay Boy Choir. After high school, he earned a bachelor’s degree in biology, society, and the environment from the University of Minnesota’s College of Liberal Arts in 2011.
He first worked as a research scientist before returning to school to become a registered nurse. In January 2021, he received his nursing license and began working at the VA Medical Center, where he cared for veterans as an ICU nurse.
Key milestones
- 2006 – Graduated from Preble High School.
- 2011 – Graduated from the University of Minnesota.
- January 2021 – Became a registered nurse.
- Jan. 24, 2026 – Fatal shooting in Minneapolis.
The Incident
During a “targeted operation in Minneapolis against an illegal alien wanted for violent assault,” DHS assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin said the officers were responding to a threat. She claimed that a man “approached U.S. Border Patrol officers with a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun” and “violently resisted” as they attempted to disarm him. The officers then allegedly fired defensive shots.
However, footage verified by The New York Times shows a different scene. Pretti is seen standing among a group of protestors with both hands visible. He is holding his phone in one hand while agents spray pepper on the crowd. Moments later, he is pinned on the sidewalk without any weapon in sight.
The footage contradicts the DHS narrative, and the Department of Veteran Affairs and Minneapolis Police Department have expressed doubts about the official account.
Family Response
Pretti’s parents, Michael and Susan Pretti, released a statement that described their son as a “kindhearted soul.” They wrote:
> “We are heartbroken but also very angry. Alex cared deeply for his family and friends and also the American veterans whom he cared for as an ICU nurse. He wanted to make a difference in this world. Unfortunately he will not be with us to see his impact.”
They also slammed the DHS account as “sickening lies,” calling the official story a distortion of the truth.
Colleague Perspectives
Dr. Dimitri Drekonja, a colleague who worked with Pretti at the VA, said:
> “Alex was a kind guy and very, very skilled nurse.”
Dr. Shaukat, who hired Pretti as a research assistant in 2014 and wrote his recommendation for nursing school, described him as “just a joy” to work with:
> “He was just a really sweet person that you could just talk to. No pretense. No complicated factors. Just who he was is how he came across. He was very supportive if you ever needed him to do something – you never had to think twice.”
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed that Pretti was a lawful gun owner with a permit, countering DHS’s claim that he was armed.
Investigation and Reactions
An investigation into Pretti’s death is ongoing. The DHS released a statement on X outlining their version of events, but the conflicting footage has prompted calls for a thorough review. The incident has drawn attention to the broader issue of federal officer conduct during protest operations.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s narrative has been challenged by witnesses and video evidence, leading to a debate over the accuracy of the agency’s statements. The family’s statement and the testimonies of colleagues have added weight to the claim that Pretti was unarmed.
Legacy and Impact
Pretti’s death has left a lasting impact on the VA community, his family, and the broader Minneapolis area. He was remembered as a compassionate nurse who treated veterans with dignity and respect.
The incident has prompted discussions about the use of force by federal officers in civilian settings and the importance of transparency in official statements. It also highlights the need for independent investigations when allegations of excessive force arise.
Key Takeaways
- Alex Pretti was a 37-year-old ICU nurse shot by federal officers on Jan. 24, 2026.
- DHS officials claimed he was armed; video evidence shows he was holding a phone.
- Family and colleagues describe him as kind, skilled, and dedicated to veterans.
- An investigation is underway, with calls for greater transparency.
- The case underscores concerns over federal officer conduct during protests.
The community continues to mourn Pretti’s loss while demanding accountability and clarity regarding the circumstances of his death.
