Family members have identified the man fatally shot by a Border Patrol officer in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026, as Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse at a Veterans Affairs hospital. The incident occurred amid ongoing protests against federal immigration enforcement, raising significant questions about the use of force by law enforcement.
Pretti, a U.S. citizen with no criminal history, was known for his advocacy against immigration policies enacted during the administration of former President Donald Trump. His father, Michael Pretti, stated that his son viewed immigration enforcement actions in Minneapolis as unjust and harmful. The family learned of his death through an Associated Press reporter and faced challenges obtaining information from authorities.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, Pretti was shot after he approached Border Patrol agents while reportedly carrying a 9mm semiautomatic handgun. However, bystander videos reviewed by the Associated Press show him holding what appears to be a cellphone at the time of the shooting. Family members confirmed that Pretti owned a handgun and possessed a Minnesota permit to carry a concealed weapon, but they stated they had never seen him carry it in public.
Pretti was born in Illinois and grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He attended the University of Minnesota, where he earned a bachelor’s degree before transitioning to nursing. His ex-wife, Rachel N. Canoun, noted that he had participated in protests following the killing of George Floyd in 2020, emphasizing his civic engagement. Friends and neighbors described him as quiet, helpful, and kind-hearted.
Despite owning firearms and visiting shooting ranges, many were surprised by the notion that he might have carried a handgun publicly. Pretti was also recognized as an avid cyclist and outdoorsman, with a strong attachment to his dog. His mother indicated that he was particularly concerned about environmental policies and immigration enforcement.
As the investigation continues, the shooting has sparked protests in Minneapolis, highlighting tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and police practices. Authorities are reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident, which has drawn public scrutiny given its timing as the third shooting involving federal agents in the area within a short period.
The family’s struggle to obtain information about Pretti’s death reflects broader concerns about transparency and accountability in law enforcement, particularly in high-stakes situations involving firearms. As details emerge, calls for clarity and justice are likely to intensify in the wake of this tragic event.
