🚨 “COWARDLY!” – Former Marine Congressman Seth Moulton just UNLEASHED on the federal agents who kill-ed heroic ICU nurse Alex Pretti: “Unprofessional, pathetic COWARDS!” 😡💥

In a fiery video rant, the combat vet called it outright MURDER — saying if an 18-year-old Marine did this in a war zone, they’d be court-martialed. He slammed the agents for wearing masks out of fear and shooting a disarmed man pinned to the ground.

U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), a former Marine combat veteran, has issued one of the sharpest public condemnations yet of the January 24, 2026, fatal shooting of 37-year-old intensive care nurse Alex Jeffrey Pretti by a U.S. Border Patrol agent, labeling the agents involved “unprofessional, pathetic cowards” and describing the incident as “outright murder by federal officials.”

Moulton, who served tours in Iraq and has frequently drawn on his military experience in public commentary, made the remarks in a video posted to social media and during interviews on MSNBC and other outlets. He stated that the actions captured on multiple bystander videos — showing Pretti being disarmed, pinned down, and then shot multiple times — would result in court-martial for any Marine in a combat zone. “If an 18-year-old Marine did that in Iraq in the middle of a war zone, he would be court-martialed because it is murder,” Moulton said. He criticized the agents for allegedly needing to shoot a restrained individual and for wearing face masks due to fear, calling them “absolute cowards.”

The incident occurred amid protests against federal immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis. DHS officials maintain the agent fired in self-defense after Pretti, who held a valid concealed carry permit for a 9mm handgun, resisted disarmament. Secretary Kristi Noem and other administration figures described Pretti as arriving armed with intent to harm officers, with some aides labeling him a “domestic terrorist” without evidence presented.

However, at least nine verified bystander videos from sources including The New York Times, CNN, BBC, and ABC News show Pretti holding a cellphone while filming and directing traffic. Footage depicts agents pepper-spraying him, wrestling him to the ground, pinning him with multiple officers, removing his firearm from his waistband, and then firing at least 10 shots in under five seconds while he remained face-down and motionless. Forensic audio analysis confirmed the rapid sequence, with some shots fired after Pretti appeared incapacitated.

Witnesses in sworn affidavits for an ACLU lawsuit testified Pretti was not brandishing a weapon or attacking officers and may have been intervening to help a woman shoved by agents. A physician bystander reported observing multiple wounds, including in the back and chest, after agents allowed access.

Pretti’s parents, Michael and Susan Pretti, released a statement rejecting the federal account as “sickening lies” and “reprehensible and disgusting.” They emphasized video evidence showing Pretti with a phone in one hand and an empty raised hand while being sprayed and pinned. The family learned of the shooting from an Associated Press reporter and reported no initial direct DHS contact.

Moulton’s condemnation echoed broader Democratic criticism. Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey called ICE a “threat to public safety” and urged Secretary Noem’s resignation. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz dismissed DHS narratives as “nonsense” and “lies,” likening enforcement to an “occupation” and activating the National Guard for public safety. Other figures, including Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jasmine Crockett, described the tactics as abusive and reminiscent of authoritarianism.

Pretti, an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, was remembered for his dedication to veterans. Colleagues described him as compassionate, competent, and humorous. Dr. Dimitri Drekonja noted his constant offer to help; Dr. Aasma Shaukat called him an “upstanding citizen” with strong human rights commitment. A viral video showed Pretti delivering a final salute to a deceased veteran patient, emphasizing sacrifice for freedom.

Pretti grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin (some reports note Illinois birth), was active in sports, Boy Scouts, and choir, graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2011 with a biology degree, worked in research, then pursued nursing, joining the VA in 2014 and becoming an ICU registered nurse in 2021. He had no criminal record beyond minor traffic violations.

This was the second fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen by federal agents in Minneapolis that month, following Renée Good on January 7, intensifying protests and calls for halting operations. Nursing organizations like the American Nurses Association demanded full, transparent investigations.

Investigations are led by Homeland Security Investigations with FBI support. Body-worn camera footage is preserved but unreleased. A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order preventing evidence destruction amid lawsuits, including from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed Pretti’s lawful gun ownership.

Moulton’s strong language as a Marine veteran has amplified calls for accountability, highlighting divisions over use of force, protest rights, and federal enforcement tactics. Pretti’s death continues to evoke grief in the VA community and beyond, with tributes underscoring his life of service now ended in disputed circumstances.