“Sickening Lies” — Sister of Slain ICU Nurse Alex Pretti Blasts False Narratives After His Fatal Shooting
MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 27, 2026 — The family of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, is speaking out with frustration and heartbreak following his fatal shooting by federal law enforcement officers on Jan. 24.
Pretti’s sister, Micayla Pretti, has emerged as a central voice in the family’s response, forcefully condemning what she calls “disgusting lies” being spread about her brother’s final moments. In remarks to the Associated Press, she described the controversy surrounding his death as “absolutely gut-wrenching” and questioned why misinformation about his actions continues to circulate.
Pretti, a U.S. citizen and ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital, devoted his career to caring for critically ill veterans and was widely respected by colleagues for his compassion and dedication.
Video Footage and Contradicting Accounts
Federal authorities initially claimed that Pretti “approached” U.S. Border Patrol agents with a handgun and “violently resisted” their attempts to disarm him, an explanation offered to justify the use of deadly force during an immigration enforcement operation.
However, multiple bystander videos reviewed by major news outlets appear to contradict that claim. Footage shows Pretti holding only a cellphone in his hand and stepping in to assist a woman who had been pushed by agents, rather than engaging officers in a violent confrontation. After being pepper-sprayed, witnesses say he was pinned to the ground before agents opened fire.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara has acknowledged that publicly shared video captured several law enforcement officers in a scuffle with Pretti prior to the shooting, but has not fully endorsed the federal narrative.
Family Reaction and Call for Truth
In her statement, Micayla emphasized her brother’s lifelong commitment to helping others. “All Alex ever wanted was to help someone — anyone,” she said, reiterating that he was far from the threat depicted in some official accounts.
The family, joined by friends and members of the nursing community, has also denounced claims that Pretti was armed with intent to harm. Loved ones have highlighted footage showing him with empty hands during his final encounter with federal officers.
Broader Impact and Ongoing Debate
Pretti’s death has ignited national outrage and intensified debates over federal immigration enforcement tactics, police use of force, and transparency from government agencies. Hundreds of mourners, including health care workers and community members, have gathered at vigils in Minneapolis to honor his life, while protests in cities across the United States have drawn attention to the circumstances surrounding his shooting.
Federal agents involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave, and civil rights investigations by the Department of Justice are ongoing.
Pretti is remembered by his family, friends, and colleagues as a compassionate caregiver whose dedication to service extended beyond the hospital walls — and whose tragic death has left a profound mark on his community.
