GREEN BAY & MINNEAPOLIS (WLUK/AP) – Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, was recently shot and killed by federal forces in Minneapolis. A 2006 graduate of Preble High School in Green Bay, Alex was known for his caring nature, especially as an intensive care nurse at the Veterans Administration. His family shared that he was deeply affected by President Trump’s immigration policies and took part in peaceful protests.
At Preble, Alex was involved in the show choir, played sports, and was an active Boy Scout. He had a love for the outdoors, often embarking on adventures with his beloved dog, Joule. Tragically, Joule had also passed away shortly before Alex’s death. His father, Michael Pretti, stated, “He cared about people deeply… He wanted to express his feelings through protest.”
In response to his death, Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich called for a thorough investigation. “Another American citizen is dead… We need a transparent inquiry,” he stated, highlighting the conflicts between federal and local authorities on immigration law.
Alex was born in Illinois and lived without a criminal record. He had minimal interactions with law enforcement, aside from a few minor traffic tickets, and had always prioritized safety during protests. His parents had cautioned him to stay safe and avoid any confrontations.
The Department of Homeland Security reported that Alex approached U.S. Border Patrol officers with a 9 mm handgun. Details remain unclear about whether he displayed the weapon, as video footage does not show it. His family confirmed that he had a concealed carry permit in Minnesota, but had not typically carried a gun in public.
The night of the tragedy, Alex’s family learned about the shooting through a reporter. After initially struggling to get information, they broke the news that the victim matched their son’s description. In a painful turn of events, they verified it through the Hennepin County Medical Examiner.
After high school, Alex studied at the University of Minnesota, earning his degree in biology and society in 2011. He initially worked as a research scientist before pursuing a nursing career.
His ex-wife described him as engaged and socially active. She indicated it wasn’t surprising to see him protesting, especially after the death of George Floyd, which had deeply affected the community. Alex was known to stand up for his beliefs but was not confrontational.
Living in a quiet neighborhood, his neighbors spoke fondly of him. Many described him as warm and generous, helping out whenever needed. While they knew he owned guns, they never viewed him as someone who would carry one in public.
In one of their last conversations, Alex spoke with his parents about home repairs and showed kindness to a Latino worker by tipping him generously. His mother expressed sorrow over the state of the country during the Trump administration, particularly concerning environmental issues. “He loved this country but was frustrated with how people treated it,” she said.
This tragedy has sparked discussions about federal involvement in local incidents, raising awareness around immigration laws and law enforcement practices. The need for an independent investigation into Alex’s shooting reflects wider public concerns about transparency and accountability in law enforcement. As protests continue, many are standing together, demanding change in America’s approach to immigration and community safety.
For more on recent developments and community reactions regarding immigration policies, you can check out this report.
