Family Disputes Feds’ Claims After ICU Nurse Killed By Agents
BY MN CRIME STAFF
Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse killed by federal agents in Minneapolis.
Alex Jeffrey Pretti, 37—a U.S. citizen and intensive care nurse at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center—was killed by federal agents Saturday morning in south Minneapolis.
Pretti was recording federal agents with his cell phone near the 2600 block of Nicollet Avenue around 9 a.m. when the encounter turned deadly.
Bystander video reviewed by multiple news outlets shows Pretti holding his phone—not a weapon—attempting to assist a woman and recording the unfolding scene when agents sprayed chemical irritant at him and others. Multiple agents then wrestled him to the ground.
> Sign up for the MN CRIME newsletter
Video from bystanders also shows one agent removing a concealed pistol that Pretti was legally carrying from his waistband shortly before another agent fired multiple shots. The footage appears to show several rounds fired while Pretti lay on the ground.
PREVIOUSLY: Federal Agents Kill Man, 37, in Minneapolis
Statements given by federal officials, including DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, have been contradicted through analysis of available video, statements from local officials and review by multiple news organizations.
Noem issued an initial account saying Pretti advanced on agents and brandished his firearm, prompting defensive gunfire.
Pretti’s family and friends denounced the statements about the incident as incorrect and harmful, calling his killing unjustified. They noted his career as a critical care nurse and emphasized that he didn’t pose a threat as depicted in the official narrative. Noem said Pretti was engaged in “domestic terrorism” and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller said he was an “assassin,” ready to inflict a “massacre” on law enforcement.
READ MORE > Alex Pretti coverage
The killing has drawn political and public outcry in Minnesota, intensifying tensions over federal immigration enforcement operations in the state. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and local leaders have called for federal agents to leave the region and for transparency in the investigation, citing conflicting evidence and concerns about use of force.
Protests erupted in Minneapolis and other cities following Pretti’s death, with demonstrators condemning federal tactics and the continued deployment of immigration agents. A federal judge granted a temporary restraining order at the request of state officials to prevent alteration or destruction of evidence related to the shooting.
PREVIOUSLY: ‘Day of Action’ Brings 50K Protesters to Downtown Minneapolis
A still image from bystander video shows the killing of Alex Pretti by federal agents in south Minneapolis on Jan. 24, 2026.
Federal agents descend on the shooting location Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026. via Bystander Video
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, which typically investigates officer-involved shootings in the state, reported that local teams were again blocked from fully accessing the scene and crucial evidence by federal officials, echoing issues seen after the Jan. 7 killing of Renee Good by an ICE agent.
Statement from Pretti’s parents after kis killing:
"We are heartbroken but also very angry.”
"Alex was a kindhearted soul who cared deeply for his family and friends and also the American veterans whom he cared for as an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital. Alex wanted to make a difference in this world. Unfortunately he will not be with us to see his impact. I do not throw around the hero term lightly. However his last thought and act was to protect a woman.
"The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting. Alex is clearly not holding a gun when attacked by Trump's murdering and cowardly ICE thugs. He has his phone in his right hand and his empty left hand is raised above his head while trying to protect the woman ICE just pushed down all while being pepper sprayed.
"Please get the truth out about our son. He was a good man. Thank you.”
Pretti’s legal record showed no violent criminal history and local authorities confirmed he was legally licensed to carry a concealed firearm.
Statement from Micayla Pretti, Alex’s younger sister:
"Alex was kind, generous, and had a way of lighting up every room he walked into.”
“He was incredibly intelligent and deeply passionate, and he made people feel safe. But most importantly, he was my brother. I had the privilege of being his little sister for 32 years. I will never be able to hug him, laugh with him, or cry to him again because of those thugs-and that is a pain no words can fully capture.
"Alex always wanted to make a difference in this world, and it's devastating that he won't be here to witness the impact he was making. Through his work at the VA caring for the sickest patients, and passion to advance cancer research, he touched more lives than he probably ever realized. All Alex ever wanted was to help someone—anyone. Even in his very last moments on this earth, he was simply trying to do just that.
"I want to thank everyone who has reached out to my family and me, whether you knew Alex personally or not. The messages, posts, and overwhelming positivity shared about him truly reflect his character, work ethic, and passions. My brother is, and always will be, my hero.
"When does this end? How many more innocent lives must be lost before we say enough?
Hearing disgusting lies spread about my brother is absolutely gut-wrenching, and my family is deeply grateful so many people have stood up and helped tell his truth. He would be very proud." — Micayla Pretti
As investigations continue, Minnesota officials and community members are demanding independent review of the use of force and full disclosure of all evidence surrounding the incident.
Flowers and signs at the vigil for Pretti in south Minneapolis.
