The family of Alex Pretti has issued a powerful statement following his death during a federal law enforcement encounter in Minneapolis, strongly disputing official claims about what happened in the moments before force was used.

Pretti, 37, was a licensed nurse living in Minneapolis. In the days since his death, federal officials have stated that agents perceived him as a threat during the encounter. However, Pretti’s family says those claims are contradicted by video footage circulating online.

“The sickening lies told about our son are reprehensible and disgusting,” the family said in their statement. They urged the public to look closely at the footage and judge the events based on what can be seen.

What the Family Says the Video Shows

According to the family, multiple videos from the scene show Pretti holding only his phone at the time agents approached him. They say one hand was clearly occupied with the phone, while the other was raised to shield a woman who was being pepper-sprayed nearby.

The family insists that at no point does the footage show Pretti holding or reaching for a firearm. Instead, they describe a chaotic scene in which Pretti was attempting to document what was happening and protect someone else from harm.

“These videos show who our son really was,” the family said. “A good man trying to help.”

Dispute Over Official Accounts

Federal authorities have maintained that agents acted based on their assessment of a perceived threat. However, the family argues that the video evidence raises serious questions about that explanation.

They say the official narrative does not align with what is visible in the footage, and they have called for transparency and a full accounting of the events that led to Pretti’s death.

While officials have urged the public not to draw conclusions from partial video clips, the family counters that the available footage is clear enough to disprove claims that Pretti was armed.

Who Alex Pretti Was

Beyond the final moments captured on video, the family wants the public to understand who Alex Pretti was as a person.

He was a registered nurse with an active license, legally certified to practice through 2026. He had no serious criminal history and had studied at the University of Minnesota. Family members describe him as compassionate, protective, and deeply committed to helping others.

They say his actions in the video — holding a phone and shielding a woman — reflect the values he lived by.

Public Reaction and Growing Anger

As the family’s statement spread, public reaction intensified. Many viewers expressed shock and anger after comparing the video footage with official claims.

The case has become a focal point for broader conversations about transparency, accountability, and the use of force during law enforcement encounters. Community members have called for the release of additional footage and a detailed timeline of events.

Calls for Truth and Accountability

In their statement, the family made a direct appeal to the public.

“Please get the truth out about our son,” they said. “He was a good man.”

They emphasized that their goal is not to inflame tensions, but to ensure that the record reflects what actually happened.

Investigation Ongoing

Authorities have confirmed that the incident remains under review. As with similar cases, investigators are expected to examine video evidence, witness statements, and agent reports before reaching conclusions.

For the family, however, the videos already tell a story they believe cannot be ignored.

As the investigation continues, the death of Alex Pretti stands at the center of a growing debate — not only about what happened in Minneapolis, but about how truth is established when video evidence and official statements appear to diverge.