🚨 BREAKING: “THE LAST MESSAGE AT 2:00 PM” – ICU Nurse Alex Pretti’s family just dropped BOMBSHELL evidence that could DESTROY the official story… 😱

Seconds before federal agents opened fire, a chilling text from the man he was desperately trying to save… or was it something else entirely?

The text that changes EVERYTHING is out now. You NEED to see this before it’s buried. Share if you’re demanding answers! 🔥

The family of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, the 37-year-old intensive care nurse shot and killed by U.S. Border Patrol agents on January 24, 2026, has issued a public statement rejecting the Department of Homeland Security’s version of events and calling for the release of additional evidence to clarify what happened in the moments leading up to his death.

Pretti, who worked at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System caring for veterans, was fatally shot near the intersection of 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue in the Whittier neighborhood during a confrontation amid protests against a large-scale federal immigration enforcement operation. The incident has sparked national outrage, with critics questioning the use of force by agents and supporters of the crackdown defending the officers’ actions as self-defense.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, Border Patrol agents were conducting a targeted operation when Pretti approached them armed with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun. DHS officials stated that Pretti “violently resisted” attempts to disarm him, prompting an agent to fire in self-defense. A photo shared by DHS showed a firearm they said belonged to Pretti, along with two magazines of ammunition. Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino described the encounter as one where an individual appeared intent on causing “maximum damage” to law enforcement.

Pretti’s family, however, has strongly disputed that narrative. In a statement provided to multiple news outlets, his parents, Michael and Susan Pretti, described their son as a “kindhearted soul” who “cared deeply” for his family, friends, and the American veterans he treated as an ICU nurse. They emphasized that Alex “wanted to make a difference in this world” and noted that “unfortunately he will not be with us to see his impact.”

The family pointed to bystander videos circulating online, which they say show Pretti was not holding a gun when agents tackled him. Instead, they claim one hand held his phone while the other was raised, possibly to shield a woman who was being pepper-sprayed by agents. “Alex is clearly not holding a gun when attacked by Trump’s… ICE thugs,” the statement read in part, urging the public to “get the truth out about our son.” They called allegations labeling Pretti a “domestic terrorist”—including comments from White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller—”sickening lies” that are “reprehensible and disgusting.”

Multiple media outlets, including BBC Verify, Reuters, The New York Times, CNN, and The Guardian, have reviewed bystander footage of the incident. Analyses indicate Pretti appeared to be holding a cell phone rather than a firearm in the seconds before agents took him to the ground. Video shows an agent reaching toward Pretti’s waist, then turning away holding what appears to be a pistol that was not visible in Pretti’s hand moments earlier. Shooting begins almost immediately afterward, with agents firing at least ten rounds in rapid succession, including while Pretti was pinned and after he collapsed.

Pretti held a valid Minnesota permit to carry a concealed weapon and had no criminal record beyond minor traffic violations, according to family and local officials. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called the shooting “sickening” and said the state’s account from DHS was “nonsense” after reviewing videos. Walz added that Minnesotans were compiling a “log of evidence” to pursue accountability and urged the Trump administration to end the operation.

The incident occurred against the backdrop of intensified federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota, which has seen over 3,000 arrests in recent weeks, along with criticism over warrantless detentions, clashes with protesters, and multiple shootings by immigration agents. Pretti’s death marked the third such shooting in Minneapolis in three weeks.

Colleagues and friends remembered Pretti as a dedicated professional and compassionate person. Dr. Dimitri Drekonja, who worked with him at the VA, described Pretti as an “outstanding” nurse who was “quick with a joke” and had an “infectious spirit.” A former patient and Air Force veteran recalled how Pretti comforted him during treatment. Pretti’s sister, Micayla, said her brother “always wanted to help someone—anyone” and aimed to “make a difference in this world.”

Nursing organizations have expressed shock and called for thorough investigations. The American Nurses Association stated it was “deeply disturbed and saddened” by the death and urged prompt, transparent findings. The Oregon Nurses Association and Washington State Nurses Association highlighted concerns over violence against nurses advocating for human rights, referencing the ANA Code of Ethics.

Political reactions have been sharply divided. Former Vice President Kamala Harris expressed being “enraged and heartbroken,” noting Pretti’s dedication to serving veterans and the community. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez drew comparisons to other high-profile cases involving armed individuals during unrest. On the other side, some conservative voices, including venture capitalist Keith Rabois, defended the agents, arguing that law enforcement does not shoot innocent people and pointing to violent crimes allegedly committed by undocumented immigrants.

The Department of Homeland Security has announced an internal investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, with FBI assistance limited to forensics. Local officials have reported being blocked from conducting their own probe. Calls for independent review continue amid ongoing protests.

Pretti’s background included growing up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he was active in sports, Boy Scouts, and choir. He graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2011 with a degree in biology, society, and the environment, worked as a research scientist, then pursued nursing. He obtained his Minnesota nursing license in 2021, which remained active.

As the investigation proceeds, Pretti’s family and supporters continue to push for clarity on the events of January 24, particularly regarding the sequence of actions, the role of any weapon, and Pretti’s apparent intent to intervene protectively during the confrontation. The case has become a flashpoint in broader debates over immigration enforcement, use of force, and accountability for federal agents.