Sister of ICU Nurse Alex Pretti Denounces ‘Disgusting Lies,’ Calls Him a Hero After Fatal Federal Shooting in Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS — The younger sister of Alex Pretti, the 37-year-old ICU and Veterans Affairs nurse who was fatally shot during a federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis, has publicly condemned what she calls “disgusting lies” about her brother, while honoring him as a compassionate healthcare worker who dedicated his life to helping others.

Micayla Pretti broke her silence Monday with an emotional statement defending her brother’s character amid growing controversy surrounding the circumstances of his death.

“All Alex ever wanted was to help someone—anyone,” she said. “Even in his very last moments on this earth, he was simply trying to do just that.”

Her comments directly challenge statements from federal officials, who have described Pretti as a threat during the encounter that ended his life.

Conflicting Accounts of a Fatal Encounter

Pretti was shot and killed Saturday while being detained by federal agents during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis. The incident immediately drew national attention, protests, and calls for transparency as conflicting narratives emerged.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that federal officers “clearly feared for their lives,” claiming Pretti “violently resisted” agents and was “brandishing” a firearm.

According to DHS, agents discharged their weapons in self-defense after being approached by Pretti with a loaded 9mm semiautomatic handgun.

Micayla Pretti strongly disputed those claims, rejecting any characterization of her brother as a “domestic terrorist” or attacker.

“When does this end?” she asked. “How many more innocent lives must be lost before we say enough?”

Video Evidence Raises New Questions

Multiple videos recorded by witnesses have complicated the official account.

Several clips appear to show Pretti holding up a cellphone—not a firearm—while interacting with federal agents. In at least one video, an officer is seen removing a gun from Pretti’s waistband before shots are fired.

After that moment, the footage does not clearly establish who fired the first shot.

Minneapolis police later confirmed that Pretti was a lawful gun owner with a valid permit and had no serious criminal history.

A firearms expert and attorney for the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, Rob Dobar, weighed in on social media, suggesting a possible alternative explanation.

“I believe it’s highly likely the first shot was a negligent discharge from the agent in the grey jacket after he removed the Sig Sauer P320 from Pretti’s holster,” Dobar wrote on X. “That discharge may have triggered the subsequent gunfire.”

Authorities have not confirmed that assessment, and the investigation remains ongoing.

A Nurse Remembered for Compassion

Pretti’s family and colleagues have emphasized his background as a healthcare professional, describing him as kind, patient, and deeply committed to helping others.

He worked as both a VA nurse and an ICU nurse—roles that demand calm under pressure and a dedication to saving lives.

“Hearing disgusting lies spread about my brother is absolutely gut-wrenching,” Micayla Pretti said. “He was a healer. That’s who he was.”

Political Fallout and Federal Review

Former President Donald Trump addressed the shooting in comments to The Wall Street Journal, expressing concern while also referencing the presence of a firearm.

“I don’t like any shooting. I don’t like it,” Trump said. “But I don’t like it when somebody goes into a protest with a very powerful, fully loaded gun either.”

Trump added that his administration is reviewing the incident and signaled a possible pullback of federal immigration enforcement in Minneapolis.

“We’re looking, we’re reviewing everything, and we’ll come out with a determination,” he said. “At some point, we will leave.”

Minneapolis Pushes Back on Federal Presence

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey confirmed that he spoke directly with Trump about the immigration enforcement surge in the city, saying both agreed the situation could not continue as it currently stands.

Frey said some federal agents are expected to begin leaving Minneapolis as early as Tuesday.

Sources familiar with the situation indicated that Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino, a central figure in the enforcement operation known as Operation Metro Surge, may be among those facing pressure to step back.

However, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin disputed those reports, stating that Bovino “has NOT been relieved of his duties” and remains “a key part of the President’s team.”

White House Border Czar Tom Homan is reportedly assuming a more direct role in overseeing federal operations in Minnesota, with a meeting scheduled between Homan and Mayor Frey to continue negotiations.

Protests and Public Outrage Continue

Pretti’s death has sparked widespread protests across Minneapolis, including demonstrations downtown and clashes near a Hilton hotel on Sunday night. Protesters have demanded accountability, body camera footage, and an independent investigation into the shooting.

Operation Metro Surge, launched December 1, 2025, significantly expanded the federal law enforcement presence in Minnesota and has faced growing criticism from local officials and civil rights advocates.

A Family’s Grief Amid Unanswered Questions

As investigations continue, Pretti’s family says their focus remains on honoring his life—not defending against accusations they believe misrepresent who he was.

“He deserves to be remembered for the lives he saved,” Micayla Pretti said. “Not for a narrative that doesn’t reflect the truth.”

Federal authorities have not announced a timeline for completing their review. Until then, the death of Alex Pretti remains a flashpoint in the national debate over immigration enforcement, police use of force, and accountability.