Family members have confirmed that Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse at a Veterans Affairs hospital, was fatally shot by a Border Patrol officer in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026. The incident occurred amid ongoing protests against federal immigration enforcement, which Pretti had actively opposed.
Pretti, a U.S. citizen with no prior criminal record, was known for his compassionate nature and commitment to social justice. His father, Michael Pretti, stated that his son was deeply troubled by immigration enforcement actions in the city, believing them to be unjust. He had previously participated in protests against former President Donald Trump‘s immigration policies.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, Pretti approached Border Patrol officers while allegedly carrying a 9mm semiautomatic handgun. Officials did not clarify whether the weapon was brandished at the time of the incident. However, bystander videos reviewed by the Associated Press suggest Pretti was holding what appeared to be a cellphone instead of a firearm during the shooting. Family members confirmed he owned a handgun and held a Minnesota permit for concealed carry, although they stated he had never carried it publicly.
Pretti was born in Illinois and raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he developed a passion for nursing after working as a research scientist. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota and dedicated his career to caring for veterans in intensive care. His ex-wife, Rachel N. Canoun, highlighted Pretti’s political activism, noting his participation in protests following the 2020 killing of George Floyd. She described him as politically engaged yet non-confrontational.
Community Response and Family’s Struggle for Information
Neighbors remembered Pretti as a quiet, helpful individual who was fond of cycling and the outdoors. While they were aware he owned firearms and frequented shooting ranges, many expressed surprise at the notion he might carry a handgun in public. Family members described him as having a profound concern for environmental issues and immigration policies.
The family learned of the shooting through an Associated Press reporter, facing significant difficulty in obtaining information from authorities. They later confirmed his death through the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office but reported that no federal law enforcement agency had contacted them directly regarding the incident.
The shooting has ignited renewed protests and unrest in Minneapolis, with demonstrators calling for accountability and questioning the use of force by federal agents. This incident marks the third shooting involving federal officers in a short period, prompting investigations into the practices of Border Patrol in urban areas.
As the situation unfolds, the community and Pretti’s family seek clarity and justice, grappling with the loss of a dedicated nurse and advocate for those in need.
