Family of Alex Pretti Demand Justice Seven Months After Shooting

Seven months after Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old American citizen and ICU nurse, was fatally shot by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis, his family is publicly seeking justice and accountability for his death.

Pretti was killed on January 24 during an immigration operation in Minneapolis that also involved the fatal shooting of another U.S. citizen, sparking nationwide outrage over federal use of force. Eyewitness video shows Pretti attempting to assist a woman before being wrestled to the ground and shot about ten times by officers despite legally carrying a firearm.

Michael Pretti, Alex’s father, expressed his desire for justice, saying, "We've seen what happened. The videos are pretty clear. But we want justice.

We want accountability for the people that did this to Alex." His mother, Susan Pretti, described learning of the shooting from television footage showing her son being shot in the back.

"I was not shocked that he helped somebody. My shock is that he was murdered and no one has given us the complete truth or anyone has been held accountable. And it's been seven months," Susan Pretti said. She questioned what her son could have done to deserve being left dead on the ground.

In the aftermath, some Trump administration officials publicly accused Pretti of violent intent. Former Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino claimed Pretti sought to "do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement," while then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem labeled him a "domestic terrorist." Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller also called him an "assassin" and "domestic terrorist."

Michael Pretti criticized these statements: "There was more effort in vilifying him than pursuing justice, investigating this." His sister Micayla added, "I don't think you would like my answer" when asked about hearing such accusations.

President Donald Trump called Pretti an "agitator" and "perhaps" an "insurrectionist" following the release of video showing a confrontation with federal agents days before the shooting. Michael Pretti condemned the comments as "un-presidential" and "ridiculous".

The Department of Justice opened a federal civil rights investigation into the shooting. Pretti family attorney Steve Schleicher said they are unaware of the investigation's progress and lack information about who fired the shots. He emphasized the family's rights to meaningful consultation and timely communication have not been respected.

In a July 13 meeting with the U.S. attorney in Minnesota, Schleicher said the family received more questions than answers. A DOJ spokesperson stated that family communication typically occurs later in legal proceedings, not during ongoing investigations. The Department of Homeland Security and FBI are also involved but have declined further comment.