Federal authorities are investigating a fatal confrontation that occurred during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis, where ICU nurse Alex Jeffrey Pretti was shot by a federal agent. Video footage recorded by bystanders shows a tense scene on a snowy city street, with federal officers attempting to restrain Pretti amid shouting and whistles from nearby onlookers. In the footage, officers appear to push individuals back as they try to control the situation. Pretti is seen holding a phone as officers surround him, and moments later a gunshot is heard. The video does not clearly show the weapon being fired, but it ends with Pretti lying motionless on the pavement as officers step away. Officials say the situation escalated quickly and remains under active review.
Pretti, 37, was later identified by family members as the man killed in the incident. He was a U.S. citizen and worked as a registered nurse in the intensive care unit at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs hospital. Colleagues described him as compassionate, dedicated, and deeply committed to patient care. Hospital staff said he was known for his calm presence and willingness to help both coworkers and veterans under his care. State nursing records confirmed his license was active, and court records showed no criminal history beyond minor traffic violations. Friends and coworkers expressed shock at his death, saying he was respected in both his professional and personal circles.
Family members said Pretti was passionate about social issues and cared strongly about environmental protection and human rights. His parents described him as gentle, thoughtful, and driven by a desire to make a positive impact. They said he often spent time outdoors with his dog and enjoyed hiking and biking. In recent years, he had become increasingly vocal about political and social concerns, particularly around federal immigration enforcement policies. Relatives said he attended protests to express solidarity with vulnerable communities and believed civic engagement was part of being a responsible citizen. They also stated that although he legally owned a firearm, they had never known him to carry it during public demonstrations.
The incident has sparked widespread public debate and political reaction at local and national levels. Federal officials have stated that Pretti was armed at the time of the encounter, while family members dispute that claim, saying available video footage does not show a weapon in his hands. Investigators are reviewing body-camera recordings, bystander videos, and forensic evidence to determine exactly what happened. Meanwhile, community members have gathered at memorial sites across Minneapolis to honor Pretti’s life and call for transparency in the investigation. As inquiries continue, many questions remain unanswered, and authorities have urged the public to await verified findings before drawing conclusions.