Alex Pretti's parents have revealed that they gave their son a haunting warning just days before his tragic death.
On January 24, the 37-year-old ICU nurse was fatally shot by a US Border Patrol officer during what DHS described as a “targeted operation” against a suspect wanted for violent assault.
According to DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, Pretti, who was later identified as a lawful gun owner, allegedly approached officers while armed and “violently resisted” as they attempted to disarm him.
However, video evidence has since surfaced which seems to dispute the DHS’s claims, showing Pretti holding a cell phone, not a gun, in the moments before his death.
A Heartfelt Conversation Days Before the Tragedy
In an interview with the Associated Press, Pretti's parents, Michael and Susan, recalled their last conversation with their son just days before his death.
They had spoken about everyday matters, including repairs to his home’s garage door and the nurse's act of kindness in tipping a Latino repairman $100, amid the tensions in Minneapolis.
The couple expressed concern about the unrest in the city and advised their son to protest peacefully and avoid confrontation.
"We had this discussion with him two weeks ago or so, that go ahead and protest, but do not engage, do not do anything stupid, basically," Michael shared. "And he said he knows that. He knew that."
Family’s Reaction to the DHS's Account of the Shooting
The family confirmed Pretti’s death through the Hennepin County Medical Examiner after their efforts to reach Minnesota officials.
In a statement released after the tragedy, they described their loved one as a "kindhearted soul" and vehemently rejected the DHS’s account of the shooting, calling it "sickening lies."
"We are heartbroken but also very angry," the statement began. "Alex wanted to make a difference in this world. Unfortunately, he will not be with us to see his impact."
Eyewitness Accounts Paint a Different Picture
Eyewitnesses to the shooting have provided affidavits that paint a starkly different picture of what occurred.
One witness, a woman driving near the protest, recalled how Pretti had been directing traffic and filming the scene on his phone, PEOPLE reported.
"[Pretti] put his hands above his head, and the agent sprayed him again and pushed him. Then [Pretti] tried to help up the woman the ICE agent had shoved to the ground. The ICE agents just kept spraying," the woman wrote. "It didn't look like he was trying to resist, just trying to help the woman up."
A second witness, a licensed pediatrician, attempted to administer medical care to Pretti, who was in critical condition.
The physician recounted how ICE agents, despite being informed of his medical credentials, demanded to see his license before allowing him to assist.
When he arrived at Pretti's side, he found the victim surrounded by agents who had not checked for a pulse or administered CPR.
"Instead of doing either of those things, the ICE agents appeared to be counting his bullet wounds. I asked the ICE agents if the victim had a pulse, and they said they did not know,” the physician said.
“I checked for a pulse, but I did not feel one. I immediately began CPR. Shortly after I started compressions, EMS personnel arrived and took over,” the witness continued.
It was later revealed that Pretti sustained at least 10 gunshots.
White House Backpedals Amid Backlash
The federal government has faced backlash for its initial response to the incident.
White House officials, including Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, initially characterized Pretti as a “domestic terrorist” and a threat to law enforcement.
These claims quickly unraveled after video footage contradicted the narrative, showing Pretti being shot in the back multiple times after being disarmed.
As public outrage grew, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt sought to distance President Donald Trump from the early statements.
“I have not heard the president characterize Mr. Pretti in that way,” Leavitt said, per The Guardian. “However, I have heard the president say he wants to let the facts and the investigation lead itself.”
Trump also signaled a shift in his stance, announcing a “very good call” with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, during which they agreed on the need for a more coordinated approach to immigration enforcement.
Walz’s office stated that the president had committed to allowing state investigators to conduct an independent investigation into the shooting, a request that followed concerns raised by Minnesota law enforcement over being blocked from the scene by federal agents.