With contradicting videos circulating on social media, the parents of Alex Pretti came to the forefront demanding the truth behind the incident.
The 37-year-old nurse was shot dead by a US Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis while the officials were conducting a raid.
Who was Alex Pretti?
Alex Pretti worked as an intensive care nurse at the Veterans Administration. He had joined protests against the ICE after the killing of Renee Good by a federal agent, Jonathan Ross, earlier this month.
“He cared about people deeply, and he was very upset with what was happening in Minneapolis,” his father, Michael Pretti, told the Associated Press.
Alex Pretti’s father said he had talked to his parents “two weeks ago or so”, and he had told them that he knew not to “do anything stupid” during the protests.
Though his parents were aware that he owned a gun, they did not know he carried it along with him.
Meanwhile, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth posted a graphic on X instructing citizens on how to avoid ICE.”
“Shame on the leadership of Minnesota- and the lunatics in the street,” he wrote.
After the video of the incident contradicted the federal agency’s version, Michael and Susan Pretti issued a statement. “We are heartbroken but also 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,” it read.
While strongly rejecting the claims of federal officials, his parents said that he was not holding a gun in his hand when the shooting took place.
The Department of Homeland Security said that Pretti approached the federal officials carrying a 9mm semi-automatic handgun and “violently resisted” when officers tried to disarm him.
“He has a 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,” the statement added.
Local authorities condemn the incident
After the video showing the incident got out, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said it was “sickening”. “I’ve seen the videos, from several angles, and it’s sickening,” he said.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said the footage revealed “more than six masked agents” beating a resident before getting shot.
Customs and Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino said Pretti intended to cause serious harm. While criticising the local authorities, US President Donald Trump asked why the local police were not protecting the federal agents.
