Family of ICU Nurse Killed by Federal Agents Remember His ‘Kindhearted Soul,’ Call DHS’ Account of Shooting ‘Sickening Lies’

The family of Alex Pretti, the Minneapolis man shot and killed by federal officers, is pushing back hard against the government’s version of events and urging the public to focus on what they say actually happened.

In a statement obtained by CNN, Pretti’s relatives said they are “heartbroken” — and “very angry.”

“Alex was a kindhearted soul who cared deeply for his family and friends, and also the American veterans whom he cared for as an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital,” the family said. “Alex wanted to make a difference in this world. Unfortunately, he will not be with us to see his impact.”

Family says he may have been trying to protect a woman

The statement also describes what the family believes happened in Pretti’s final moments, saying he may have been trying to “protect a woman” before he was shot.

They also criticized the current administration, writing, “The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting.”

DHS official alleges he was armed and resisted

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson, Tricia McLaughlin, alleged in a statement to one outlet that Pretti approached U.S. Border Patrol officers while armed with a handgun and “violently resisted” as they tried to disarm him. She said an agent then fired “defensive shots.” Pretti was 37.

McLaughlin’s statement also said federal officers were conducting a targeted operation in Minneapolis at around 9:00 a.m. local time on Jan. 24, aimed at an undocumented person wanted in connection with a violent assault.

Police chief: “The video speaks for itself”

After the shooting, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara was asked about the DHS account. Referring to video recorded at the scene, he said, “The video speaks for itself.”

O’Hara also said early information suggested there was “more than one law enforcement officer involved in the discharge,” and he pointed to public footage showing multiple officers in a struggle with a person.

Protests followed as tensions escalated

According to The Associated Press, at least 200 protesters arrived near the scene soon after the shooting, and confrontations broke out between federal officers and members of the public.

“Please get the truth out”

Pretti’s family directly disputed the government narrative, writing, “Alex is clearly not holding a gun when attacked by Trump’s murdering and cowardly ICE thugs.”

“He has his phone in his right hand and his empty left hand is raised above his head while trying to protect the woman ICE just pushed down, all while being pepper-sprayed,” they continued, adding: “Please get the truth out about our son. He was a good man. Thank you.”

Public records indicate Pretti had been a registered nurse since January 2021 and previously worked with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.