MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minneapolis tragedy has sparked conversations about compassion and activism, as loved ones remember Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a dedicated intensive care nurse at the Veterans Administration. Pretti, who was fatally shot by a federal officer on Saturday, was known for his deep empathy and concern for the community, particularly in light of President Donald Trump’s stringent immigration policies.

Pretti, 37, was not only a committed healthcare professional but also an enthusiastic adventurer who shared his exploits with Joule, his much-loved Catahoula Leopard dog, who had also passed away recently. His dedication to social justice was evident in his participation in protests following the fatal shooting of Renee Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer earlier in the month.

“Alex had a profound care for others, and he was deeply troubled by the actions of ICE in Minneapolis and across the nation,” shared his father, Michael Pretti. “Protesting was his way to manifest his compassion and concern for others, a sentiment shared by millions.”

Pretti, born in Illinois and a U.S. citizen, had a clean record, with only a few traffic violations to his name, similar to Good. His background was unmarred by any criminal history, reinforcing his family’s narrative of him as a peaceful, law-abiding citizen.

His parents, residing in Wisconsin, had recently urged him to exercise caution during protests, reflecting the concerns many have as they navigate activism and safety in today’s climate.

“We had this discussion with him two weeks ago or so, you know, that go ahead and protest, but do not engage, do not do anything stupid, basically,” Michael Pretti said. “And he said he knows that. He knew that.”

Family members said Pretti owned a handgun and had a permit to carry a concealed handgun in Minnesota. They said they had never known him to carry it.

“I can’t get any information from anybody,” Michael Pretti said Saturday. “The police, they said call Border Patrol, Border Patrol’s closed, the hospitals won’t answer any questions?”

Eventually, the family called the Hennepin County Medical Examiner, who they said confirmed had a body matching the name and description of their son.

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Biesecker reported from Washington and Mustian from New York.