The tragic death of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old registered nurse from Minneapolis, has sent shockwaves through communities and reignited a fierce national debate about immigration enforcement in the United States. Mr Pretti was fatally shot by a federal officer, reportedly hit at least ten times within a mere five seconds, an incident that has sparked widespread protests and drawn intense scrutiny.
A Life of Service and Compassion
Alex Pretti was a US citizen, born in Illinois and raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin. During his school years at Preble High School, he was an active athlete, participating in football and baseball, and also developed a love for the outdoors, possibly nurtured through his time as a boy scout. His artistic side shone through his involvement with the Green Bay Boy Choir, where he sang as a child.
After graduating from the University of Minnesota in 2011 with a bachelor's degree in biology, society, and the environment, Mr Pretti initially worked as a research scientist. He later returned to education to pursue nursing, eventually serving as an ICU nurse at the Veterans Administration in Minneapolis. His family consistently described him as someone who cared deeply about people, a sentiment echoed by his dedication to his profession.
Passion for Protest and Community
Michael Pretti, Alex's father, revealed that his son was profoundly upset by the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minneapolis and across the country. He believed that protesting was a meaningful way to express his concern for others. This conviction led him to participate in demonstrations following the killing of Renee Good by a US ICE officer earlier in the month. Ms Good, also 37 years old, died less than a mile from where Mr Pretti would later be shot.
Court records indicate that, like Ms Good, Mr Pretti had no criminal history. His family noted that his only interactions with law enforcement involved a few traffic tickets, painting a picture of a law-abiding citizen. Neighbours remembered him as quiet and warm-hearted, with Sue Gitar, who lived downstairs, describing him as a wonderful person who was always ready to help, whether addressing neighbourhood concerns or potential gas leaks.
Gun Ownership and Personal Details
While Mr Pretti owned a handgun and held a permit to carry a concealed firearm in Minnesota, his family emphasised that they had never known him to carry it. His ex-wife confirmed that he obtained the permit about three years ago and owned at least one semiautomatic handgun when they separated over two years prior. She added that, despite his involvement in protests, including those after the killing of George Floyd in 2020, he was never physically confrontational.
Gun ownership is relatively common in Minnesota, with data showing over 65,000 handgun carry permits approved in both 2022 and 2023. However, Mr Pretti's case highlights the complex interplay between personal rights and tragic outcomes.
A Family's Heartbreak and Warning
In a poignant detail, Mr Pretti's parents, who still reside in Wisconsin, had recently urged him to be cautious during protests. He assured them he was aware of the risks, saying he knew that. Just weeks later, they learned of his death through a phone call from a reporter, a devastating blow that underscores the personal toll of such incidents.
Beyond his professional and activist life, Mr Pretti was known for his love of adventure with his Catahoula Leopard dog, Joule, before the dog's recent passing. Despite working long hours as a nurse, he maintained social connections, occasionally hosting friends, as noted by neighbours.
This story continues to unfold, with his killing prompting clashes and renewed discussions about the deployment of federal agents in immigration crackdowns. As investigations proceed, the legacy of Alex Pretti as a caring individual committed to his community remains at the forefront of public consciousness.
