Minneapolis was rocked in late January 2026 after ICU nurse Alex Pretti was fatally shot during a federal enforcement operation, sparking outrage and national attention. Pretti, 37, was involved in an encounter with ICE agents on January 24, following increased federal activity in the city. Initial reports claimed he brandished a gun, but eyewitness accounts and video footage suggest he posed no threat at the time of the shooting.
A close eyewitness described Pretti trying to assist a woman, holding only a phone. She said federal agents forced him to the ground, pepper-sprayed him, and shot him multiple times. Footage shows his firearm was taken by an agent before he was shot, indicating he was unarmed. The eyewitness expressed shock at the officers’ actions, emphasizing that Pretti was attempting to help, not resist.
Pretti’s family strongly criticized the official narrative, arguing the claims of aggression were false. They described him as a caring healthcare worker who was simply trying to protect others during the chaotic scene. Their statement called for the truth about his death to be publicly recognized, highlighting the emotional toll on loved ones.
The incident has intensified debate over federal enforcement practices and accountability, with advocates demanding transparency and thorough investigations. As the community mourns Pretti’s death, many continue to call for clarity, justice, and a reassessment of law enforcement procedures in Minneapolis.
