Minneapolis Man Who Was Fatally Shot by Federal Agent Remembered as 'Kind-Hearted Soul'
A 37-year-old intensive care nurse at a Veterans Affairs facility in Minneapolis was fatally shot by a federal agent during a confrontation with protesters opposing the government's immigration enforcement tactics. The man, Alex Pretti, was remembered by his family and colleagues as a "kind-hearted soul" who cared deeply for the patients he served.
According to his parents, Michael and Susan, Pretti wanted to make a difference in the world but will not be able to see his impact. They rejected federal officials' account of the shooting, calling it "sickening and reprehensible." The Department of Homeland Security said agents with U.S. Border Patrol were conducting an operation when they approached Pretti, who violently resisted efforts to disarm him.
Videos taken from various angles appear to contradict parts of the department's version of events. The Minneapolis Police Chief stated that local officials believe Pretti was a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry. However, his parents and colleagues described him as a gentle person who posed no threat to anyone.
Dr. Aasma Shaukat, who hired Pretti in 2014 as a research assistant at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, said he was a team player who always stepped up to help others. She recalled that Pretti was the type of person who held the elevator for others or assisted people who looked lost in the hospital find their way.
Pretti's colleagues described him as having a strong sense of duty and civic responsibility, which led him to participate in protests in Minneapolis after George Floyd was killed in 2020. They also remembered him as someone who showed compassion when providing care to patients, particularly those with terminal illnesses like his father Terry Randolph at the Veterans Affairs facility.
The union that represents federal employees, including Pretti's employer, confirmed that he was a member and called his death "devastating." Jeanne Wiener, one of Pretti's neighbors, described him as a gentle, good person who posed no threat to anyone.
In a final act of kindness, Pretti read a poignant message about the importance of protecting freedom before his father passed away at the VA facility. His colleagues and family remember him as a kind-hearted soul who made a difference in those around him, but will not be able to see that impact for himself.
A 37-year-old intensive care nurse at a Veterans Affairs facility in Minneapolis was fatally shot by a federal agent during a confrontation with protesters opposing the government's immigration enforcement tactics. The man, Alex Pretti, was remembered by his family and colleagues as a "kind-hearted soul" who cared deeply for the patients he served.
According to his parents, Michael and Susan, Pretti wanted to make a difference in the world but will not be able to see his impact. They rejected federal officials' account of the shooting, calling it "sickening and reprehensible." The Department of Homeland Security said agents with U.S. Border Patrol were conducting an operation when they approached Pretti, who violently resisted efforts to disarm him.
Videos taken from various angles appear to contradict parts of the department's version of events. The Minneapolis Police Chief stated that local officials believe Pretti was a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry. However, his parents and colleagues described him as a gentle person who posed no threat to anyone.
Dr. Aasma Shaukat, who hired Pretti in 2014 as a research assistant at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, said he was a team player who always stepped up to help others. She recalled that Pretti was the type of person who held the elevator for others or assisted people who looked lost in the hospital find their way.
Pretti's colleagues described him as having a strong sense of duty and civic responsibility, which led him to participate in protests in Minneapolis after George Floyd was killed in 2020. They also remembered him as someone who showed compassion when providing care to patients, particularly those with terminal illnesses like his father Terry Randolph at the Veterans Affairs facility.
The union that represents federal employees, including Pretti's employer, confirmed that he was a member and called his death "devastating." Jeanne Wiener, one of Pretti's neighbors, described him as a gentle, good person who posed no threat to anyone.
In a final act of kindness, Pretti read a poignant message about the importance of protecting freedom before his father passed away at the VA facility. His colleagues and family remember him as a kind-hearted soul who made a difference in those around him, but will not be able to see that impact for himself.
- some dude gets caught up in a confrontation and loses his life over something that's supposed to be about helping people. 37 years young and already gone 
. The fact that the government's version of events doesn't add up is pretty clear, but what really gets me is how this guy was actually making a difference in the world - volunteering, caring for patients, standing up for what he believed in... 
all of it cut short by someone with a badge and a gun.
. I feel bad for his family and colleagues who are left to pick up the pieces... his parents' reaction is totally understandable, all these details just don't add up 
. You can tell this guy was a good person from all the stories about him - always looking out for others and standing up for what's right 
. RIP Alex, your kindness and compassion will never be forgotten 
.
I'm seeing so many conflicting stories here but one thing is for sure - the video footage should be released ASAP so we can get an accurate account of what really went down. Can't believe a man who was just trying to make a difference, ended up losing his life 
what's even more disturbing is the gov's account doesn't add up, it's like they're hiding something 
my heart goes out to his family & colleagues, I can only imagine how devastated they must be 
. I mean, can you imagine being a law-abiding citizen with no history of violence or any issues at all, and then getting gunned down by agents? It's just not right 
.
. I'm so sorry that he won't get to see the impact of his kindness and compassion in the world anymore 
. This isn't just about Alex's death, it's about systemic issues of police brutality and racism that we still haven't tackled in this country 
they sound like amazing people 
he was literally described by everyone as super kind & caring 
It's just weird that the feds say one thing and then videos show another. Like what really happened? And why did they have to take him out like that? 