Grieving Parents Speak Out After Death of Son in Minneapolis, Describe Him as Proud, Caring — But Say His Involvement in Protests Changed Him

The parents of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, the 37‑year‑old ICU nurse shot and killed by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis on January 24, have broken their silence — offering a deeply emotional picture of their son’s character, his motivations, and how his life appeared to change in recent months.

In a statement released after their son’s death was confirmed, Michael and Susan Pretti described Alex as a “kindhearted soul” who cared deeply for his family, friends and the patients he treated as a nurse at the Minneapolis VA Hospital. They said he had always made them proud through his work caring for others.

“He cared about people deeply,” his father told reporters, recalling how Alex was upset by federal immigration enforcement policies and increasingly compelled to express his views publicly. “He thought it was terrible, you know, kidnapping children, just grabbing people off the street.”

The family said they had urged him to be cautious when he planned to join demonstrations. “We had this discussion with him two weeks ago,” Michael said. “Go ahead and protest, but do not engage, do not do anything stupid, basically.” They said Alex responded that he understood.

In the days before the fatal shooting, friends say Pretti devoted more of his time to attending demonstrations and posting about enforcement actions, a shift from earlier conversations in which he discussed his nursing work, outdoor hobbies and life with his beloved dog.

Alex’s parents have rejected official accounts describing him as a threat, insisting that available bystander video shows him holding a phone, not a weapon, and trying to help others at the scene while being pepper‑sprayed. “The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting,” their statement said. “Please get the truth out about our son. He was a good man.”

While family members emphasize his caring nature and desire to make a difference, the Prettis’ statement stops short of endorsing any particular view of the events that led to his death, focusing instead on their grief, anger and desire for truth. “Alex wanted to make a difference in this world,” they wrote. “Unfortunately he will not be with us to see his impact.”

The shooting has sparked widespread public reaction, including protests and vigils, as well as controversy over conflicting accounts of what occurred during the incident.

Authorities continue to review evidence, including video and witness testimony, as part of multiple ongoing investigations into the fatal encounter.