Minneapolis, MN — A video of nurse Alex Pretti paying tribute to a veteran patient at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center has become widely shared online in the wake of his controversial and fatal shooting by federal agents on January 24, 2026. The footage shows Pretti, who worked in the ICU, delivering what has been described as a deeply heartfelt “final salute” to Terrance Lee Randolph, an Air Force veteran who died at the hospital in late 2024. This moment — originally recorded at the end of Randolph’s life — has taken on renewed significance as the nation continues to grapple with the circumstances of Pretti’s death and the polarized public reaction that followed.

In the video, Pretti stands beside Randolph’s flag-draped hospital bed and speaks to an audience of fellow staff and family members, emphasizing the cost and responsibility of freedom. “Today we remember that freedom is not free. We have to work at it, nurture it, protect it and even sacrifice for it,” Pretti says, echoing a message of gratitude and respect for service members. He goes on to note, “May we never forget and always remember our brothers and sisters who have served so that we may enjoy the gift of freedom.” Moments later, staff gather in silence before escorting the veteran’s body from the unit.

The son of the veteran, Mac Randolph, shared the video on Facebook shortly after Pretti’s death, explaining that Pretti had been his father’s ICU nurse in the hospital’s final days. “He read my dad’s final salute at the VA after he passed away. Never wanted to share this video, but his speech is very on point,” Mac wrote, urging others to view and share the tribute. The post has circulated widely across social media platforms, resonating with people of varying political and social backgrounds who have reacted emotionally to both Pretti’s words and his role in Randolph’s final moments.

Pretti’s death has been the subject of intense debate and conflicting narratives. Federal authorities, including the Department of Homeland Security, have characterized the January shooting as a defensive action by agents responding to an alleged threat. Officials have claimed Pretti approached U.S. Border Patrol officers with a semi-automatic handgun during a law enforcement operation. However, video footage of the incident and eyewitness accounts shared by family members and community witnesses appear to contradict aspects of the official account. In clips from the scene, Pretti can be seen holding what appears to be a phone rather than a weapon when agents converged on his position.

Family members have vehemently rejected the official narrative. In a statement following his death, they described the administration’s version of events as “reprehensible and disgusting” and underscored that Pretti was not visibly armed when he was shot. According to the family, video evidence and eyewitness testimony suggest Pretti was trying to assist others — including shielding a woman who had been pushed down by law enforcement — when he was struck by gunfire. Those claims have amplified calls from relatives and supporters for a more transparent investigation into the shooting and federal law enforcement conduct more broadly.

The viral spread of Pretti’s tribute video has also drawn commentary about his character and legacy outside the context of the shooting itself. Many people who encountered the video online noted the poignant contrast between Pretti’s reflection on service and sacrifice and his own fate — shot and killed amid a highly charged operation targeting immigrants without legal status. Some commentators found the former nurse’s words to be a haunting reminder of both the value of freedom and the controversies surrounding its costs.

Beyond the viral clip, those who knew Pretti professionally and personally have shared memories of his compassionate care. Randolph’s son described Pretti as “extremely knowledgeable and caring,” recalling how he answered difficult questions with patience and treated families with dignity during challenging circumstances. Other accounts portray him as someone deeply committed to his work and to the people he served, particularly older veterans in the ICU setting who relied on his expertise and empathy in their difficult final moments.

The resurfacing of the tribute has occurred amid broader public and media reactions to Pretti’s death. National figures and commentators have weighed in on the case, with some using his story to spotlight perceived injustices in law enforcement practices, while others have questioned how the situation developed so tragically. In some high-profile responses, television hosts and public figures have referenced Pretti’s tribute to the veteran as emblematic of his character and core values, contrasting that image with the circumstances that led to his own death.

As the video continues to circulate, it serves not only as a reminder of one moment in Pretti’s career but also as a focal point for ongoing conversations about policing, civil liberties, and the meaning of service. Whether viewed through the lens of veteran care or national debate, Pretti’s words — particularly “freedom is not free” — have struck a chord with many viewers, prompting reflection on both individual sacrifice and collective responsibility.

In the larger context, Pretti’s tribute to a veteran he once cared for is part of how he is now being remembered by family, friends, and members of his community. Though his life ended under tragic and controversial circumstances, the viral video has preserved a legacy of respect, empathy, and respect for those who served — qualities highlighted by those who knew him and by those moved by the moment he chose to honor another’s life.