Thousands of individuals gathered at a vigil to honor Alex Jeffrey Pretti, an American citizen and ICU nurse who was fatally shot by ICE agents. The 37-year-old was reportedly armed with a valid license but was shot after allegedly resisting efforts to disarm him. According to Homeland Security, Pretti was carrying a 9mm semi-automatic handgun and two magazines, although specific details about the incident remain unclear.
At Whittier Park in Minneapolis, around 4,000 people, including an anonymous local attendee, paid their respects to Alex during the vigil. Despite the peaceful atmosphere, nearby stores like Aldi were seen boarding up windows, and attendees took precautions by wearing ski goggles. The gathering, which continued to grow, featured chants, speakers, and volunteers distributing hand warmers and hot cocoa.
Born in Illinois, Pretti had no criminal record, and colleagues described him as a compassionate individual dedicated to helping others. His father, Michael Pretti, highlighted Alex’s concerns about the situation in Minneapolis and the role of ICE in the United States, expressing his son’s commitment to advocating for justice through peaceful protest.
Jeanne Massey, a neighbor of Pretti, voiced outrage over the shooting, condemning it as another tragic act of violence by federal agents. She emphasized community solidarity in demanding safety and justice for all residents, especially in light of recent shootings during enforcement operations. Massey called for an end to federal agent activities in Minnesota to ensure the safety of the city’s inhabitants.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz urged President Donald Trump to remove federal agents from Minnesota following the recent shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent. Governor Walz described the incident as horrific and emphasized the need to address the presence of untrained officers in the state.
Despite the fear gripping the city, residents have shown unwavering resolve in standing up against violence and injustice, refusing to back down to federal enforcement operations. The community remains determined to advocate for change and demand greater accountability in law enforcement actions.