In a bombshell revelation that’s sending shockwaves through America, the ex-wife of slain ICU nurse Alex Pretti has opened up about their fractured marriage, claiming she hasn’t spoken to him since their acrimonious divorce over two years ago – and painting a picture of a man haunted by his passion for protests that ultimately may have led to his devastating demise. Rachel Canoun, the former spouse of the 37-year-old Minneapolis hero-turned-tragedy figure, has broken her silence in the wake of his fatal shooting by federal Border Patrol agents, describing how Pretti transformed into a ‘disillusioned husband’ in her imagination, tormented by issues surrounding his protesting activities and becoming visibly agitated whenever past demonstrations came up in conversation.
The heart-wrenching interview comes just days after Pretti was gunned down in broad daylight on January 24, 2026, in a chaotic clash on the streets of Minneapolis that has ignited nationwide fury, protests, and calls for justice. As the nation grapples with yet another officer-involved shooting amid escalating tensions over immigration enforcement, Daily Mail delves deep into the personal turmoil behind the headlines – a tale of love lost, political radicalization, and a fatal intervention that ended in 10 bullets fired in under five seconds. // Assuming image_id from previous search, for Alex Pretti portrait
Pretti, a dedicated intensive care nurse at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, was no stranger to controversy. Born in Park Ridge, Illinois, to parents of northern Italian descent, he grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he excelled in sports like football, baseball, and track at Preble High School. After graduating from the University of Minnesota in 2011 with a degree from the College of Liberal Arts, he joined the VA in 2014 as a research assistant before becoming a registered nurse in 2021. Colleagues described him as an ‘upstanding citizen’ and a compassionate caregiver who treated veterans with unwavering dedication. But beneath the scrubs lay a fervent activist, one who had participated in the George Floyd protests in 2020 – a detail his ex-wife Rachel now confirms played a pivotal role in their marital breakdown.
Rachel Canoun, who has largely stayed out of the spotlight since their split, told reporters she wasn’t shocked to learn of Pretti’s involvement in recent demonstrations against federal immigration raids. ‘It doesn’t surprise me that he was out there protesting,’ she said in a candid statement, echoing sentiments shared with the Associated Press. But her revelations go deeper, exposing the cracks in their relationship that she attributes to his growing obsession with activism. ‘He had some problems with protesting,’ Rachel disclosed, explaining how Pretti would become ‘agitated by protest’ discussions from his past, particularly those tied to the tumultuous George Floyd era. In her mind, he had morphed into a ‘disillusioned husband’ – a far cry from the man she once knew, consumed by ideological fervor that strained their bond to breaking point.
The couple’s divorce, finalized more than two years ago, marked the end of a chapter Rachel describes as increasingly fraught. ‘We haven’t talked since the divorce,’ she revealed, her voice laced with a mix of sorrow and resolve. Sources close to the family suggest the split was fueled by Pretti’s deepening ‘woke’ leanings, as one X post bluntly put it: ‘Alex Pretti’s wife divorced him for being woke.’ Another online commenter speculated that his radicalization during the Floyd protests – dubbed the ‘George Floyd crazy train’ by critics – was the final straw. Rachel herself confirmed Pretti’s concealed carry permit, adding a layer of complexity to the narrative of a man who legally armed himself amid his activist pursuits.
But who is Rachel Canoun, the woman thrust into this national spotlight? Little is publicly known about her, but insiders paint her as a private individual who has moved on from the marriage, requesting anonymity after initial media interactions. Her statements have fueled speculation on social media, with one X user quipping, ‘Somebody should ask her why she was no longer with him… I have a feeling that she caught him wearing [something unexpected].’ Others have gone darker, suggesting Pretti’s death was ‘suicide by cop,’ pointing to his deleted social media accounts before the fateful day. Rachel, however, focuses on the man she knew – flawed, passionate, and ultimately disillusioned.
The tragic events of January 24 unfolded during Operation Metro Surge, a massive federal crackdown on immigration in the Twin Cities that has seen over 3,000 arrests. Pretti, living just two miles away in the Lyndale neighborhood, was on the scene filming agents as they aggressively pursued suspects. Eyewitness videos show him stepping in to protect a woman shoved to the ground by an agent, wrapping his arm around her in a heroic act. What followed was pandemonium: agents pepper-sprayed him, wrestled him down, discovered his legally carried handgun, and amid shouts of ‘gun, gun,’ unleashed a barrage of fire. Forensic analysis confirms 10 shots in less than five seconds, with Pretti holding only his phone – not a weapon – in his right hand. // For scene of shooting
This wasn’t Pretti’s first brush with federal forces. Just a week earlier, on January 17, he was tackled by five agents during a protest against ICE operations, suffering a broken rib that required medical treatment. Sources say he was given medication consistent with such an injury, though DHS claims no record of the incident. His participation in protests against the earlier killing of Renée Good on January 7 further highlights his commitment to social justice – a trait Rachel says grew from his experiences during the 2020 Floyd unrest.
Pretti’s parents, Michael and Susan, have been vocal in their grief, issuing a scathing statement: ‘We are heartbroken but also very angry. The sickening lies told by the Trump administration are reprehensible and disgusting.’ They insist their son was protecting a woman, phone in hand, and urge the public to ‘get the truth out.’ A GoFundMe for the family has skyrocketed past $1 million, with donations pouring in from across the country.
The shooting has sparked massive backlash. Protests erupted immediately at the site, with crowds chanting against ICE and Border Patrol. Demonstrations spread to Seattle, Portland, New York, and beyond, drawing thousands. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz activated the National Guard amid fears of unrest, while the NBA postponed a Timberwolves game in solidarity. Celebrities and politicians have weighed in: Former President Barack Obama called it a ‘heartbreaking tragedy,’ while Republicans like Rand Paul demand investigations.
On X, the discourse is heated. One post claims Pretti was a ‘Democratic protestor’ tracked via Signal app, labeling the incident a ‘big Dem psyop.’ Another mocks critics, saying Pretti’s ex-wife would confirm he was no hero. Conspiracy theories abound, including fake transvestite photos dismissed as doctored by supporters. Pretti’s girlfriend, described as a ‘pretty blonde,’ has remained silent, but family friends say he was an avid hiker, rock climber, and cyclist – a far cry from the ‘woke’ caricature painted online.
Experts weigh in on the psychological toll of activism. Dr. Elena Rossi, a psychologist specializing in political trauma, tells Daily Mail: ‘Individuals like Pretti, immersed in high-stakes protests, often experience agitation when revisiting past events. It can disillusion relationships, leading to divorces like this.’ She notes how the George Floyd protests radicalized many, creating rifts in families. ‘The agitation Rachel describes sounds like unresolved PTSD from those chaotic times.’
Rachel’s revelations also touch on Pretti’s gun ownership. As a lawful carrier with no criminal record, he embodied the Second Amendment debates now raging. Gun rights groups like the NRA have defended him, slamming DHS for blaming his firearm. But critics question why an ICU nurse would arm himself at protests, fueling theories of paranoia or preparation.
The investigation is mired in controversy. DHS is leading the probe through Homeland Security Investigations, with FBI assistance limited to forensics. Body camera footage exists but hasn’t been released, prompting accusations of a cover-up from Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith. A federal judge issued a restraining order to preserve evidence, while local prosecutor Mary Moriarty fights for jurisdiction. Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino was demoted and reassigned amid scrutiny.
Labor unions have rallied behind Pretti. The Oregon Nurses Association called the shooting ‘outrageous,’ while the AFGE demands accountability. His mentor remembered him as a ‘wonderful person’ in a tearful tribute. // For Rachel Canoun
As the dust settles, Rachel’s words linger: a husband disillusioned, agitated by his protesting past, estranged for years. Was this obsession his undoing? Or a heroic stand against perceived injustice? The nation watches as justice – or lack thereof – unfolds in Minneapolis.
In related developments, witnesses to the shooting have come forward with affidavits, detailing how agents detained nearly two dozen bystanders for hours without charges. One physician who attempted CPR was initially blocked, later noting bullet wounds in Pretti’s back and chest. The scene turned volatile post-shooting, with agents backing away for 45 seconds before seeking the gun.
Pretti’s life was multifaceted: a VA nurse union member, lawful gun owner, and activist. His ex-wife’s insights reveal the personal cost of such passions. ‘He became that disillusioned figure in my imagination,’ she said, a poignant epitaph for a man whose final act was protection – ironic, given his reported agitation over past ‘protect’ discussions, perhaps a typo or slip for ‘protest’ in heated recollections.
Social media swirls with misinformation. Posts claim Pretti was ‘brainwashed by liberals,’ his divorce a direct result. Others defend him as a ‘hero,’ with sports star Ryan Clark tweeting, ‘Rest Easy Alex Pretti. Bro was a hero.’ But detractors like one X user mock, ‘ICE is doing a Pretti Good job.’
Family friends recall Pretti’s adventures: hiking, rock climbing, cycling – a vibrant life cut short. His girlfriend remains private, but posts hint at a ‘pretty blonde’ partner. The broken rib from the prior clash adds tragedy: he was already injured when fate struck.
As investigations drag on, Rachel’s voice adds humanity to the statistics. A divorce born of disillusionment, no contact for years, and a man agitated by his protesting demons. Will justice prevail? Daily Mail will keep you updated on this unfolding American nightmare.
