The family of Alex Pretti, the ICU nurse fatally shot by federal officers in Minneapolis on January 24, is speaking out against the official narrative of the incident. In a statement shared with CNN, his loved ones expressed their heartbreak and anger, questioning claims made by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) about Pretti’s actions leading up to his death.
Main details of what happened:
Pretti, 37, was shot and killed by federal officers during an operation conducted by the U.S. Border Patrol, which was reportedly targeting an individual wanted for violent assault. According to DHS, Pretti “approached” officers while armed with a handgun and “violently resisted” as they attempted to disarm him, leading to what they called “defensive shots.”
However, Pretti’s family refutes these claims. They describe him as a “kindhearted soul” who worked as an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital, where he cared deeply for veterans. The family also suggests that Pretti may have been attempting to protect a woman before he was fatally shot. They vehemently disagree with the DHS’s account, stating that Pretti was not holding a gun but rather his phone, and had raised his left hand in an effort to shield the woman during a scuffle. They further accuse DHS officers of lying and call their actions “murderous” and “cowardly.”
Relevant background or context:
The incident has sparked public outrage and protest, with at least 200 people gathering near the scene of the shooting. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara referred to footage of the incident, suggesting that it might provide a clearer understanding of what happened. Preliminary information indicates that multiple law enforcement officers were involved in the confrontation, but public video footage shows a chaotic scene with officers in a scuffle with someone.
Pretti’s family is calling for a full and accurate account of what occurred, emphasizing that he was a good man who was wrongfully killed. They are challenging the government’s portrayal of the events and asking for the truth to be shared.
What happens next, if confirmed:
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and the video footage from the scene is expected to play a crucial role in shedding light on the exact sequence of events. Pretti’s family continues to demand justice and clarity about the circumstances surrounding his death.
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.
