😱 HEARTBREAKING REVELATION FROM ALEX PRETTI’S PARENTS: “As if he suddenly turned into a different person” – they break silence on their son’s shocking transformation and the hidden resignation that left them stunned 💔🩺

Michael and Susan Pretti, still reeling from their son’s fatal shooting by Border Patrol agents, are finally opening up about the “sudden change” they saw in Alex in the months before his demise.

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In emotional interviews with multiple news outlets, the parents of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, the 37-year-old ICU nurse fatally shot by U.S. Border Patrol agents on January 24, 2026, have spoken publicly for the first time about what they describe as a profound and rapid change in their son’s behavior in the months leading up to his death. Michael and Susan Pretti portrayed their son as a once-gentle, outdoors-loving caregiver who appeared to undergo a “sudden transformation,” becoming deeply immersed in activism against federal immigration enforcement while quietly distancing himself from aspects of his former life.

The Prettis’ statements come amid a highly polarized national conversation over the circumstances of their son’s killing. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) maintains that agents acted in self-defense after Pretti approached them armed with a 9mm semiautomatic handgun during an immigration operation and violently resisted disarming. Verified bystander videos, however, show Pretti holding a cellphone with one hand raised before being tackled, with the weapon removed from his waistband shortly before multiple shots were fired. Pretti held a valid Minnesota concealed carry permit and had no criminal record beyond minor traffic violations.

In conversations reported by The Associated Press, CNN, and local Minnesota media, Michael Pretti described recent interactions with his son as alarming. “It was as if he suddenly turned into a different person,” he said, noting that Alex, who had always been compassionate and focused on his nursing career and outdoor pursuits like mountain biking, began expressing intense frustration with federal actions in Minneapolis. The shift coincided with a surge in ICE operations following the January 7 fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent, an event that sparked widespread protests.

Susan Pretti added that her son had become “consumed” by the issues, participating in demonstrations and “ICE watch” activities where residents monitored and documented enforcement actions. She mentioned a “hidden resignation” in his demeanor—Alex had quietly stepped back from certain social commitments and family routines without fully explaining why, though he reassured them he was “doing what felt right.” The parents recalled urging him to prioritize safety during a final conversation days before the shooting, to which he responded that he understood the risks but could not stand by.

Pretti had worked at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System since transitioning from research to frontline nursing in 2021. Colleagues remembered him as positive, helpful, and dedicated to veteran patients, often going out of his way to assist. A 2024 video of him delivering a bedside tribute to a deceased Air Force veteran—emphasizing sacrifice and freedom—resurfaced after his death, reinforcing his image as empathetic and service-oriented.

The Prettis emphasized their son’s lack of prior involvement in confrontational activism. Michael Pretti told reporters Alex had never carried his legally owned firearm regularly until recent months, and they had never seen him do so. The family rejected federal characterizations of their son as a “domestic terrorist” or “would-be assassin,” calling such claims “sickening lies” and “reprehensible.” They pointed to video evidence showing no gun in Pretti’s hand during initial contact and urged the public and media to “get the truth out about our son. He was a good man who wanted to make a difference in this world.”

The parents’ comments highlight broader questions about what may have driven Pretti’s increased engagement in protests. Witnesses and court filings from related incidents describe him attempting to aid individuals during enforcement actions, consistent with his nursing background. A prior reported encounter with agents—where he allegedly sustained a broken rib while observing a pursuit—may have contributed to his determination, though DHS has denied records of that incident.

Investigations into the shooting continue, led by the FBI with support from Homeland Security Investigations. Body-worn camera footage from agents has been collected but not fully released publicly. Preliminary reports have not detailed Pretti reaching for or brandishing his weapon after restraint, contrasting with initial DHS statements. Some federal prosecutors reportedly resigned over concerns that the probe shifted emphasis toward Pretti’s conduct and associations.

The Prettis’ revelations have added nuance to public remembrance of their son. While supporters and health care unions portray him as a martyr for justice and veteran care, the parents’ description of a “sudden transformation” has prompted speculation about external influences, personal stressors, or the cumulative impact of witnessing enforcement tactics in his community. No evidence suggests mental health issues, radicalization, or illicit activity; instead, the family frames the change as a moral response to perceived injustices.

Protests in Minneapolis have persisted, with vigils honoring Pretti alongside Good. Health care workers, including VA staff, have held moments of silence, and unions like the American Federation of Government Employees have condemned the incident. National organizations have called for independent oversight of federal operations.

President Donald Trump has addressed the case, rejecting claims of excessive force while announcing the requested departure of Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino from Minneapolis and indicating operational adjustments. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey have urged federal withdrawal and transparency, criticizing what they call misleading narratives.

For the Pretti family, the focus remains on grieving and seeking accountability. Michael and Susan Pretti expressed profound heartbreak and anger, noting they learned of their son’s death from a reporter rather than officials. They described Alex as a “kindhearted soul” who cared deeply for family, friends, and veterans, and whose final acts reflected that compassion.

As more details emerge from the investigation—including potential release of additional video and forensic evidence—the parents’ account of their son’s transformation serves as a poignant reminder of how personal convictions can lead individuals into dangerous situations. Whether the change was a heroic stand against injustice or a tragic escalation remains a point of contention amid the ongoing national debate over immigration enforcement, protester rights, and use of force.