A tragic incident unfolded in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026, when a federal Border Patrol officer fatally shot 37-year-old Alex Jeffrey Pretti. Pretti, an intensive care nurse at a Department of Veterans Affairs hospital, was deeply concerned about immigration policies and had previously participated in protests against U.S. immigration enforcement.
According to Minnesota police Chief Brian O’Hara, state and local law enforcement are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Initial statements from the Department of Homeland Security indicated that Pretti was shot after he “approached” Border Patrol officers while allegedly armed with a 9 mm semiautomatic handgun. However, officials did not clarify whether he brandished the weapon, and bystander video footage does not show the gun in his possession.
Pretti’s family emphasized that he had no criminal record and had only minor interactions with law enforcement. His father, Michael Pretti, described his son as a compassionate individual who was upset by the treatment of immigrants under former President Donald Trump‘s administration. “He cared about people deeply,” Michael Pretti stated, adding that Alex had participated in protests against immigration enforcement policies, particularly following the fatal shooting of a woman by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer.
Born in Illinois and raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Alex Pretti graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2011. He transitioned from a career as a research scientist to nursing, reflecting his dedication to helping others. Friends and family described him as an avid outdoorsman who loved spending time with his late dog, Joule.
In the days leading up to the shooting, Alex’s family had discussed the importance of peaceful protest. “We had this discussion with him… go ahead and protest, but do not engage,” Michael Pretti recalled. “And he said he knows that. He knew that.”
After the incident, family members learned of the shooting when contacted by a reporter. In their attempts to gather information, they faced challenges reaching law enforcement. “I can’t get any information from anybody,” Michael Pretti mentioned, reflecting the frustration many families experience in similar situations. Eventually, they contacted the Hennepin County Medical Examiner, who confirmed the identity of the deceased as their son.
Pretti’s ex-wife, Rachel N. Canoun, expressed that he was likely involved in protests against immigration policies. Although they had not spoken since their divorce over two years ago, she described Alex as someone who was passionate about social justice. “He felt the injustice to it,” Canoun said, noting that he was a Democratic voter and often participated in social media coverage of local protests.
Community members remembered Pretti as a kind and supportive neighbor. One resident, Sue Gitar, highlighted his warm-hearted nature and willingness to help others. “He’s a wonderful person,” she stated, recalling his readiness to lend a hand during neighborhood concerns.
In response to the shooting, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz criticized the conduct of federal agents, questioning their tactics and professionalism. Mayor Jacob Frey echoed these sentiments, calling for an end to operations that jeopardize public safety. “How many more Americans need to die or get badly hurt for this operation to end?” he asked.
Alex Pretti’s life was characterized by a commitment to caring for others, both as a nurse and an advocate for social justice. His tragic death has sparked discussions about the intersection of immigration enforcement and community safety, highlighting the ongoing national debate over these critical issues. As investigations continue, many in Minneapolis and beyond are left grappling with the implications of this incident and its impact on their communities.