A heartfelt gathering took place in downtown Spokane as hundreds of healthcare workers and supporters came together to honor Alex Pretti, a nurse tragically killed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents in Minneapolis. This event was both a vigil and a protest, emphasizing the deep bond among healthcare professionals.
Pretti, an ICU nurse dedicated to caring for veterans, lost his life while trying to help a woman being shoved to the ground. Witnesses described a shocking scene where he was shot multiple times in the back after being detained. Despite claims from officials suggesting he was a threat, video evidence shows he never drew his firearm.
Organizer Alex Knox, also an ICU nurse, highlighted the moral duty felt by healthcare workers. “When they come for one of us, they come for all of us,” he said. Knox’s words echoed the sentiment of many there that night. Almost 1,500 people walked across the Monroe Street Bridge, holding candles in a quiet tribute.
Participants expressed their sorrow and outrage. Medical assistant Jessie Frolich said, “I just couldn’t stop sobbing. He was slaughtered in broad daylight.” Other attendees voiced their concerns about the treatment of healthcare workers, expressing the need for a system that values and protects those who care for others.
Nurse Josh Miller voiced his fears about violence from institutions expected to protect citizens. He said, “It’s scary to think that these acts of violence are happening by the very people who should keep us safe.”
Dr. Kate Wyatt, an ICU nurse, emphasized the daily risks healthcare professionals face. “We encounter violence every day, yet we do our best to protect and care for life without weapons,” she stated.
This tragic incident has sparked a broader conversation about the safety of healthcare workers and the implications of immigration enforcement actions. The reactions on social media show a growing solidarity among those in the healthcare industry, reflecting a call for systemic change.
The gathering not only honored Pretti’s memory but also highlighted a concerning reality. As violence against caregivers increases, many advocates stress the importance of protecting those who dedicate their lives to healing. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced within the healthcare profession and the urgent need for reform.
For more insights on the issues surrounding healthcare worker safety, you can read the recent report by the American Nurses Association.
