Who was Alex Pretti, the intensive care nurse shot dead in Minneapolis?

January 25, 2026

Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse at a Minneapolis Veterans Affairs hospital, was fatally shot by federal agents during protests related to an earlier ICE shooting death. The Department of Homeland Security claims agents fired in self-defense after Pretti, who possessed a legal handgun permit, resisted being disarmed, though witnesses and family members dispute this account, stating video evidence contradicts the government's version. An outdoorsman passionate about environmental protection and upset by the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, Pretti had participated in protests following George Floyd's death but was not known to be physically confrontational.

Who is affected

Alex Pretti (deceased), 37-year-old ICU nurse
Pretti's family, including parents Susan and Michael Pretti in Wisconsin
Pretti's ex-wife
Federal agents involved in the shooting (Department of Homeland Security/ICE)
Minneapolis community and protesters
Pretti's colleagues at Minneapolis Veterans Affairs hospital, including Dr. Dmitri Drekonja
Pretti's neighbors, including Sue Gitar
Renee Good's family and community (the 37-year-old woman whose death sparked the protests)

What action is being taken

No explicit ongoing actions are described in the article. The article discusses past events (the shooting, Pretti's life and work) and statements made by various parties, but does not describe any current, ongoing actions.

Why it matters

This incident matters because it highlights escalating tensions between federal immigration enforcement and community protesters during a controversial immigration crackdown. The conflicting accounts between federal authorities and witnesses/family members raise questions about the use of lethal force by federal agents and the truthfulness of official narratives. The case involves a healthcare worker with no criminal record exercising his right to protest, touching on issues of civil liberties, gun rights, and government accountability. The administration's characterization of Pretti as a "domestic terrorist" versus his family and community's portrayal of him as a caring professional creates significant public concern about how protesters are being labeled and treated.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC