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(NewsNation) — New insights have surfaced regarding the tragic event involving a 37-year-old man who was fatally shot by Border Patrol in Minneapolis last Sunday.
The Associated Press has identified the individual as Alex Jeffrey Pretti, an intensive-care nurse employed at the Veterans Administration. According to Pretti’s family, he was deeply disturbed by the immigration policies implemented under the Trump administration in Minneapolis. They also noted his distress over the recent death of Renee Good, who was shot and killed by an ICE officer on January 10.
A colleague, speaking to The New York Times, described Pretti as a compassionate and humorous individual, dedicated to his work. “He wanted to contribute positively to humanity and pursue a career that made a meaningful impact,” shared Ruth Anway.
Federal officials reported that Pretti was armed during an altercation with agents at the intersection of 26th and Nicollet. Authorities have alleged that he intended to harm officers involved in an enforcement operation at the time.
Was Alex Pretti armed?
Federal authorities say Pretti had a firearm on him when he scuffled with federal agents at 26th and Nicollet. They characterized him as someone who was looking to harm officers as they were on an enforcement operation.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara told reporters that the Minneapolis resident had a permit to carry the gun legally and had no serious criminal history. Minnesota is a so-called “open carry” state, meaning anyone with a valid permit can have a firearm without concealing it, although some spaces are prohibited.
Federal officials have not said whether Pretti brandished the weapon during his encounter with immigration authorities.
Pretti attended the University of Minnesota and was issued a nursing license in 2021, the Minnesota Star Tribune reported.
