Community Mourns Alex Pretti: A Nurse Killed While Filming Federal Agents
Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, was fatally shot by federal immigration agents while filming their operations in the city. The incident, captured in now-viral footage, shows Pretti being tackled to the ground before being shot, despite bystander videos indicating he held a phone, not a firearm. Administration officials later claimed Pretti "brandished" a gun and labeled him an agitator, but those who knew him strongly dispute this characterization, remembering him as a compassionate and dedicated individual.
A Childhood Friend's Heartfelt Tribute
Travis Vanden Heuvel, a childhood friend who met Pretti through the Green Bay Boy Choir, expressed shock and sorrow upon learning of his death. "My initial reaction was shock. With this happening just a state away in Minnesota, it already felt close to home, and then when I found out that I knew the victim, it became even more real and tragic," Vanden Heuvel said. He recalled Pretti as someone who would "always ask how you were doing" and noted that his career as a nurse was no surprise given his caring nature.
Vanden Heuvel emphasized that Pretti "represents the best of us," describing his actions that morning as "an act of service and love to his community." He lamented that some continue to misrepresent Pretti's character, calling it "the most disheartening part of this entire story."
Memories from School and Beyond
Rory Shefchek, another childhood friend, shared similar sentiments, describing Pretti as a "helpful, kind guy" who was "confident, diligent and respectful." Shefchek, who was in both choir and track with Pretti at Green Bay Preble High School, expressed fury over the shooting, stating it "very clearly appears to be an execution of a good man followed by an assassination of character." He called for societal change, asserting, "This cannot be tolerated."
JD Atkins, a former high school classmate, remembered Pretti as a role model. "We just all really wanted to be like him," Atkins said, highlighting Pretti's generosity and kindness. He recalled a school play where Pretti took extra time to help him, offering encouragement backstage. "I can remember his hand on my shoulder and him telling me, you know you're going to be great, it's going to be okay," Atkins shared.
Family's Grief and Outrage
Pretti's parents, Michael and Susan Pretti, issued a public statement describing their son as "a kindhearted soul who cared deeply for his family and friends and also the American veterans whom he cared for." They expressed sadness that he will not see his impact on the world and condemned the Trump administration for spreading "sickening lies" about him, calling the narrative "reprehensible and disgusting."
Pretti's sister, Micayla, echoed these feelings, describing her brother as "incredibly intelligent and deeply passionate" and someone who "had a way of lighting up every room he walked into." She declared, "My brother is, and always will be, my hero."
Colleagues and Coworkers Remember a Patriot
Kaitlin McLean, a physician and coworker at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, was devastated by the news. "Honestly, I sank to my knees. I really wanted it not to be him," McLean said. She described Pretti as "an incredible human being" and "an incredibly skilled nurse," noting their close bond formed over shared coffee breaks, even at four in the morning.
McLean highlighted Pretti's dedication to veterans, calling him a "patriot" who cared deeply for the country's values. She recalled discussing the aggressive immigration enforcement operations with him recently, noting he was "outraged" and felt it was everyone's duty to not ignore such events. "He's a helper," McLean said, explaining that as healthcare workers, they are trained to prioritize others' safety. She believes Pretti was trying to help a woman pushed by agents before his death, stating, "He didn't have a malicious bone in his body."
Wider Community Tributes
Spencer Lent, another choir friend, remembered Pretti as a "helper" who was focused and humorous. "I can't believe something like that would happen to somebody who was just trying to help," Lent said, expressing a mix of sadness and anger.
Dozens of online tributes poured in, with friends describing Pretti as "quick to smile and laugh" and "a wonderful ICU nurse." Heather Zielinski, a friend for over a decade, recognized him immediately in the video and condemned the federal government's portrayal. She shared his passions for nature, biking, and the outdoors, noting a community bike ride was organized in his memory in Wisconsin.
Annette Neist, a neighbor, recalled walking dogs with Pretti and his Catahoula leopard dog, Joule. She described him as "very kind, thoughtful, well spoken, empathetic" and always smiling. Neist mentioned how Pretti loved his work with veterans, often speaking affectionately about his "old guys." She has since placed a memorial outside his home, hoping his legacy will be remembered as one of kindness and compassion.
The outpouring of grief and admiration from those who knew Alex Pretti paints a picture of a man dedicated to helping others, starkly contrasting the official narrative surrounding his death. As the community mourns, many are calling for accountability and change in the wake of this tragedy.
