Alex Pretti’s sister hits out at ‘disgusting lies’ and honors her brother’s last act

Many people across the country have been publicly honoring and standing up for Alex Pretti, the ICU nurse who was fatally shot by federal agents on January 24.

The incident has drawn condemnation from a wide range of voices, including former President Barack Obama, who described the shooting as “a heartbreaking tragedy” and warned that it should serve as a wake‑up call to every American about the state of core national values.

Pretti’s family, meanwhile, has echoed that sentiment, celebrating his compassion and courage while highlighting what they say was his final act and wish.

The shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis has unleashed a wave of emotion and debate across the United States. It was the second time in just weeks that a U.S. citizen was killed by federal immigration authorities in the city, following the death of Renee Good earlier in January.

Pretti, a 37‑year‑old intensive‑care nurse who sometimes treating sick veterans, was confronted on the street during a protest and fatally shot by U.S. Border Patrol agents.

Eyewitness footage and bystander video circulated online appear to show him holding a phone and trying to help others before being wrestled to the ground and shot multiple times — a sequence that has fueled widespread outrage and conflicting accounts of the incident.

In their first public remarks since the on‑camera shooting, the family of 37‑year‑old ICU nurse Alex Pretti said they were both “heartbroken and angry,” sharply criticizing what they called a wave of misinformation about his death.

“The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting,” they said, rejecting official claims about the shooting. “Alex is clearly not holding a gun when attacked by Trump’s murdering and cowardly ICE thugs.”

Even former President Barack Obama has strongly criticized how Trump’s administration and federal agents handled the situation. He accused federal agents of using “unprecedented tactics” designed to intimidate and harass citizen, tactics he said have now resulted in avoidable deaths.

”This has to stop,” he declared, cautioning that if nothing changes, more American lives could be in danger.

At the same time, it appears the White House now recognizes how serious the situation has become. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino is expected to leave Minnesota along with some of his agents, a shift that comes as President Trump announced he is sending his White House “border czar,” Tom Homan, to the state — a move that suggests a possible change in immigration enforcement strategy.

People pay their respects during a candlelight vigil for Alex Pretti after he was shot and killed earlier in the day on January 24, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Federal agents shot and killed Pretti amid a scuffle to arrest him. The Trump administration has sent a reported 3,000 federal agents into the area, with more on the way, as they make a push to arrest undocumented immigrants in the region. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Trump said he had “very good” conversations Monday with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey as his administration works to reduce the turmoil in the state. According to local officials, the president agreed that the current situation “can’t continue” and that some federal agents will begin leaving the area.

The White House also indicated that reducing the number of federal agents in Minnesota could happen if local leaders increase cooperation with federal authorities, a sign of de-escalation after weeks of tension following the death of Alex Pretti.

Unfortunately, nothing can bring Alex back. His family is mourning a devoted son, friend, and public servant who dedicated his life to helping others.

Micayla Pretti, Alex Pretti’s younger sister, broke her silence on her brother’s widely‑reported death in a heartfelt statement on Monday. She remembered him as a deeply compassionate person — a sharp contrast to the way federal authorities have tried to portray him following the shooting.

The heartbroken sister called Pretti a “hero” and praised his kindness and generosity. “All Alex ever wanted was to help someone — anyone,” Micayla said.

“Even in his very last moments on this earth, he was simply trying to do just that.”

Calling him a ”hero,” the family said his final moments reflected the principles he lived by.

”Alex wanted to make a difference in this world. Unfortunately, he will not be with us to see his impact. I do not throw around the hero term lightly. However, his last thought and act was to protect a woman.”

Their words have resonated widely online as people across the country reflect on who Pretti was and what he stood for in his life and final moments.