The fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, continues to draw attention as his family seeks answers about the circumstances surrounding his death. Pretti was shot by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on January 24, 2026.
Who Was Alex Pretti?
Pretti worked as an intensive care nurse at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center, caring for veterans. Friends, relatives, and colleagues described him as compassionate and committed to helping others. His family said he cared deeply about people and wanted to make a positive difference in the world.
What Happened During the Shooting?
Accounts of the encounter have been disputed. Federal officials said officers were attempting to disarm Pretti and described the gunfire as defensive. However, videos reviewed by news organizations appeared to show Pretti holding a phone as he intervened during an encounter involving agents and a woman. Footage also appeared to show an officer removing a firearm before shots were fired.
Pretti was a lawful gun owner, according to Minneapolis police statements. The competing accounts have made access to evidence and an independent review central issues for his family and state officials.
Parents Call for Accountability
On October 27, Pretti’s parents, Michael and Susan Pretti, spoke publicly for the first time at a news conference, demanding that investigators examine the evidence and that the federal government provide records to Minnesota authorities. The family said they wanted their son’s name cleared and accountability for any criminal wrongdoing.
The family’s attorney has said evidence needed for the state investigation—including recordings, interviews, phones, and firearms-related materials—has not been fully shared. Federal authorities have maintained that the investigation is proceeding under applicable procedures, while state officials have challenged the withholding of evidence.
Investigation and Public Questions
The U.S. Justice Department opened a federal civil rights investigation, while Minnesota authorities have pursued their own review. In October, state officials said federal agencies had stopped sharing evidence, prompting renewed legal efforts to obtain materials they consider necessary. No criminal charges had been filed in the case as of the latest reports.
Remembering Alex Pretti
Pretti’s death has become a deeply painful event for his family, colleagues, and many people concerned about law-enforcement accountability. His parents continue to seek answers and ask officials to release evidence so the facts can be independently assessed. The investigation remains a developing matter, and conclusions about individual responsibility should rest on verified evidence and due process.
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