Alex Pretti’s Parents Remember Their Last Call with Son Days Before He Was Killed 

The parents of Alex Pretti are describing who their son was in the days before he was shot and killed during a federal immigration operation in Minneapolis on Jan. 24.

Pretti, 37, worked as an ICU nurse. In a statement released Jan. 24, Department of Homeland Security assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin said a U.S. Border Patrol officer shot Pretti at close range during what DHS called “a targeted operation” aimed at “an illegal alien wanted for violent assault.”

DHS alleged Pretti approached officers while armed with a handgun and that he “violently resisted” as agents tried to disarm him. Since that statement, witnesses have circulated videos that they say contradict the agency’s account, including claims that Pretti appeared to be holding a phone—not a gun—just before he was shot.

Michael and Susan Pretti told the Associated Press they spoke with their son a couple of days before his death. They said the conversation was ordinary—about repairs to his garage door. They added that the repairman was Latino and that Alex tipped him $100 because of what was happening in Minneapolis.

The parents said they knew Pretti planned to attend protests and had spoken with him about it earlier.

“We had this discussion with him two weeks ago or so… go ahead and protest, but do not engage, do not do anything stupid,” Michael told the AP. “And he said he knows that. He knew that.”

The family said they confirmed Pretti’s death with the Hennepin County Medical Examiner after they were unable to get answers from officials in Minnesota. In a statement released after his death was confirmed, they described him as a “kindhearted soul” and rejected DHS’ description of the encounter, calling the claims “sickening lies.”

“We are heartbroken but also very angry,” the statement said, adding that Pretti “wanted to make a difference in this world.”

Witness statements submitted in affidavits have provided additional accounts of the moments leading up to the shooting and the medical response afterward.

One witness, who said she was driving in the area, reported that Pretti directed her where to park amid the protests. She said he appeared to be filming the scene on his cellphone and later moved closer, attempting to document events and support observers who she said were being threatened with pepper spray.

According to her statement, Pretti raised his hands over his head and was sprayed again. She said he then tried to help a woman up after she was pushed to the ground. The witness wrote that it did not look like Pretti was resisting, but rather trying to assist someone.

She alleged that agents then forced Pretti to the ground—and while he was down, four or five agents opened fire.

A second witness—described as a 29-year-old licensed pediatrician—said they attempted to provide emergency medical care while Pretti was in critical condition. The witness said agents repeatedly demanded proof of medical credentials before allowing an assessment, and that the witness was patted down first to confirm they were unarmed.

Once permitted to approach, the physician said Pretti was on his side and surrounded by agents. The witness stated they did not see agents check for a pulse or perform CPR.

Instead, the witness said, agents appeared to be counting bullet wounds. After the witness checked for a pulse and did not feel one, they began CPR until EMS arrived and took over.

The witness said it was later disclosed that Pretti was struck by at least 10 gunshots fired within about five seconds.