In the wake of intense protests following the fatal shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti by a federal agent, First Lady Melania Trump has called for peaceful demonstrations in Minneapolis.
As the city remains tense with escalating unrest, the First Lady’s message for unity and non-violence is drawing attention.
Melania Trump Urges Peaceful Protests
“I’m calling for unity. I know my husband, the president, had a great call yesterday with the governor and the mayor, and they’re working together to make it peaceful and without riots.
"I’m against the violence, so please, if you protest, protest in peace. And we need to unify in this time,” Melania Trump said during an appearance on Fox & Friends on Tuesday morning.
Her call for peace comes at a time when the situation in Minneapolis remains charged following the death of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse who was shot by a federal agent.
Pretti’s tragic death has ignited protests, as people demand justice for him and other victims of violence by federal agents.
A Growing Media Presence for Melania Trump
In recent weeks, Melania Trump has become more visible in the media, ahead of the highly anticipated release of her documentary titled Melania, per The Independent.
The film, which is being directed by Brett Ratner and has been licensed by Amazon in a reported $40 million deal, is set to hit theaters on January 30.
Before its public release, a private screening was held at the White House over the weekend, with another event scheduled for the Kennedy Center on Thursday.
The Background: Fatal Shooting of Alex Pretti
The protestors’ outrage stems from the death of Alex Pretti, who was shot by a federal agent on Saturday. Pretti, an ICU nurse at a VA medical center, was involved in a confrontation with federal agents in Minneapolis.
While the Trump administration claims the agent fired in self-defense, asserting that Pretti had a semiautomatic handgun and was resisting arrest, bystander videos have suggested otherwise.
The footage appears to show Pretti holding only a phone at the time of the incident, leading to further skepticism and criticism of the official narrative.
Pretti's family has publicly disputed the administration's version of events, condemning what they call “sickening lies.” In a statement, they called the actions of federal officials "reprehensible and disgusting," as they continue to seek justice for their loved one.
Protests Intensify After Recent Shootings
The protests in Minneapolis have grown increasingly intense, fueled not only by Pretti’s death but also by the recent shooting of another individual, Renee Nicole Good, on January 7.
Both incidents have stirred outrage, especially as federal agents have been stationed in the city as part of the Trump administration's crackdown on immigration.
The federal agents were sent to Minnesota in December, and their presence has been met with protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The violent confrontations with citizens have exacerbated tensions between local communities and federal authorities, sparking even more demonstrations throughout the region.
Trump Administration Responds to Public Outcry
The Trump administration has defended the actions of the federal agents involved in Pretti’s death. Officials, including Greg Bovino, who is in charge of the administration’s immigration enforcement, have suggested that Pretti posed a threat to law enforcement.
Bovino claimed that Pretti was attempting to “massacre law enforcement,” although no evidence has been provided to support this assertion.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem also weighed in, suggesting that Pretti might have been involved in "domestic terrorism."
However, these statements were quickly challenged by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who refuted the suggestion the following day.
In the aftermath, President Donald Trump stated that he had “very good” conversations with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.
During these calls, Trump and the local leaders discussed ways to quell the violence and ensure a peaceful resolution.
One of the outcomes of these talks was the agreement to reduce the number of federal immigration officers stationed in Minnesota. The state had seen the arrival of more than 2,000 federal agents as part of the Trump administration's mass deportation initiatives.