Minneapolis ICU Nurse Fatally Shot by Federal Agents During Protests
The Minnesota man fatally shot by federal agents in Minneapolis on Saturday has been identified as Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old registered nurse who worked in the intensive care unit at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. This marks the second fatal shooting by federal agents in Minneapolis this month, occurring amid what local activists describe as a major federal crackdown in the region.
Dedicated Healthcare Professional Remembered
Pretti attended nursing school at the University of Minnesota, where he began working as a junior scientist in 2012 according to his professional profile. He obtained his nursing license in 2021, which remained active through 2026, and had assisted on scientific research projects as recently as 2016.
"He wanted to help people," said Dimitri Drekonja, chief of infectious diseases at the VA hospital and professor of medicine at the University of Minnesota, who worked closely with Pretti both clinically and on research projects. "He was a super nice, super helpful guy – looked after his patients. I'm just stunned."
Drekonja described Pretti as an "outstanding" nurse with an infectious spirit who was quick with a joke and deeply committed to his work. The medical professional hired Pretti to support a study on preventing C diff infections, noting that "he was instrumental in completing our trial" and always asked team members how he could assist further.
Family and Friends Recall Caring Nature
Michael Pretti, Alex's father, told the Associated Press that his son "cared about people deeply" and was "very upset with what was happening in Minneapolis" regarding federal immigration enforcement activities. The elder Pretti confirmed his son had participated in protests following the recent killing of Renee Good by a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer.
"He felt that doing the protesting was a way to express that, you know, his care for others," Michael Pretti explained, adding that the family had recently warned their son to be careful during demonstrations. "We had this discussion with him two weeks ago or so... that go ahead and protest, but do not engage, do not do anything stupid, basically. And he said he knows that. He knew that."
Disturbing Video Evidence Emerges
Multiple videos circulating online from Saturday's incident show:
- Pretti directing traffic and filming federal agents with his phone in his right hand, left hand empty
- Several law enforcement officers wrestling him to the ground before apparent gunshots
- At least two officers with weapons drawn during the confrontation
- Pretti seemingly coming to the defense of a legal observer who was shoved to the ground
- A federal officer spraying Pretti with chemical agent repeatedly before tackling him
Drekonja reviewed some footage and noted "from what I can see, he was trying to help pull someone away, which is just totally in character for him." The videos show at least five agents surrounding Pretti on the ground before one appears to fire at close range, followed by additional shots.
Official Response and Personal Details
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara stated during a Saturday press conference that Pretti's only known previous law enforcement interaction involved traffic tickets. O'Hara also confirmed Pretti was "a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry."
Beyond his professional life, friends remember Pretti as an enthusiastic mountain biker who frequently discussed trail riding with Drekonja. "He found humor in life, and that's what's just so sad about seeing this," Drekonja reflected. "It's just a huge tragedy."
The shooting has intensified existing tensions in Minneapolis, where protesters have taken to the streets decrying what they describe as federal overreach. This incident represents the second US citizen killed by federal agents in the city this month, alongside another non-fatal shooting, during what community organizers characterize as an escalating federal presence in Minnesota.
