Alex Jeffrey Pretti

​The Person

Alex Pretti was a 37-year-old intensive care nurse at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center, remembered by colleagues as an “incredibly competent” professional who treated everyone with a smile. Born in Park Ridge, Illinois, and raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin, he was a former Boy Scout who was involved in the performing arts. Those close to him described a man who “died as he lived: taking care of others.” Outside of the hospital, Alex was an avid outdoorsman, a competitive bicycle racer, and a dedicated dog owner. He was known for his integrity, often standing up against injustice in small ways, such as calling out sexist comments or patiently mentoring medical residents.

​The Case

On January 24, 2026, Alex was killed by federal agents during an immigration enforcement action in the Whittier neighborhood of Minneapolis. He had been using his phone to film the agents and was seen directing traffic to keep bystanders safe. According to witnesses and video footage, Alex was pepper-sprayed and tackled after he stepped in to help a woman who had been knocked down by an agent. Despite being pinned to the ground, he was shot multiple times. While federal officials initially alleged he was a threat, bystander videos showed he was face-down when the fatal shots were fired. His death sparked widespread protests across Minnesota and Wisconsin, with many calling for justice for a man who spent his life serving veterans and his community.