A civilian witness has provided new insight into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti during a federal enforcement operation in Minneapolis. The witness, a 29-year-old pediatrician living nearby, said they rushed outside after hearing loud noises and realizing someone was seriously injured. Their sworn account, now part of court filings, offers one of the most detailed descriptions of what occurred in the moments immediately following the shooting and the response that followed.
According to the statement, Pretti was lying on his side while surrounded by agents, and no medical care appeared to be underway. The physician identified themselves and requested to help but was initially delayed while agents asked for credentials and confirmed their identity. After being allowed through, the doctor assessed Pretti and requested that he be turned onto his back for evaluation.
Once repositioned, the doctor found no pulse and began CPR until emergency responders arrived and took over care. The physician later reported feeling shaken by the experience and distressed by crowd control measures that followed, including tear gas that spread into nearby streets and residences.
Pretti was later identified as an intensive care unit nurse at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs hospital and a U.S. citizen. Colleagues described him as compassionate and deeply committed to patients and community service. Authorities say he was armed during the encounter, and the incident remains under investigation as officials review evidence, footage, and witness accounts.
