Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse from Minneapolis, was shot dead by federal agents recently, igniting a wave of protests and discussions surrounding law enforcement's use of force. Described by family and friends as an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed mountain biking, Pretti was actively engaged in protests against immigration enforcement following the death of another protester earlier in the month.
According to reports from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), agents claimed they acted in self-defense after Pretti resisted attempts to disarm him, allegedly while armed with a handgun. However, contradicting accounts from eyewitnesses and Pretti's family question this narrative, stating that video evidence shows no indication he posed a threat to officers.
His mother, Susan Pretti, emphasized her son's love for the environment and dismay at the current administration's policies, particularly around environmental regulation, stating, He hated that, you know, people were just trashing the land. She noted that although he owned a firearm and had a concealed carry permit, he had no history of violence and had always been respectful towards law enforcement.
Pretti's family has publicly expressed their outrage over the depiction of their son as a domestic terrorist and urged for the truth to emerge, insisting he was a caring individual dedicated to his community and his passions.
He was well-educated, having graduated from the University of Minnesota, and had transitioned from a career in research to nursing. His legacy is one of kindness, activism, and a deep commitment to outdoor life, remembered fondly by neighbors and colleagues who describe him as warm-hearted and supportive.
