😱 SHOCKING BOMBSHELL FROM HIS INNER CIRCLE: Alex Pretti’s closest friends just dropped a revelation that’s leaving everyone stunned—turns out the “saintly” ICU nurse in scrubs had a whole other side hidden beneath the surface… and what they described is even more disappointing than we could have imagined 💔🔥

While the world mourns him as a peaceful hero who only wanted to help veterans and protect families, his longtime buddies from Green Bay and Minneapolis are saying: “That’s not the full picture.”

They paint a man who was kind on the surface… but driven by intense convictions that pushed him into risky confrontations, a life of activism that sometimes crossed lines, and personal struggles the public never saw.

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As national attention remains fixed on the January 24, 2026, fatal shooting of 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti by U.S. Border Patrol agents, a growing number of close friends and longtime acquaintances have shared personal insights that present a more layered portrait of the man behind the headlines. While tributes from family, coworkers, and supporters continue to emphasize Pretti’s compassion and dedication to veteran care, these accounts suggest his life encompassed complexities that extend beyond the prevailing narrative of an unblemished, gentle caregiver.

Pretti, who worked in the intensive care unit at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, was killed during a confrontation amid protests against federal immigration enforcement operations in the city. The Department of Homeland Security has described the incident as self-defense, stating agents responded after Pretti approached armed with a 9mm handgun and resisted disarming. Verified bystander videos, however, show Pretti holding a cellphone—one hand raised—during initial contact, with the weapon removed from his waistband before shots were fired. Pretti held a valid concealed carry permit and had no criminal record beyond minor traffic violations from years earlier, according to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara and family statements.

Friends from Pretti’s early years in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he graduated from Preble High School in 2006, have spoken to local media outlets like WBAY, Spectrum News, and WISN about memories of a talented, outgoing young man involved in show choir, musicals, Boy Scouts, and the Green Bay Boy Choir. Travis Vanden Heuvel, a childhood friend from choir and school, described Pretti as having “an infectious smile” and a personality that drew people in, recalling shared trips and camp experiences. Spencer Lent, another high school contemporary, expressed shock at the news but remembered Pretti’s strong presence in performances. Elizabeth Feldhausen, a fellow choir member, highlighted his kindness in helping younger students with choreography without judgment.

These recollections align with the image of Pretti as supportive and community-oriented. Yet several friends have cautioned against oversimplification, noting that Pretti’s passion for social issues—particularly in recent years—reflected a more intense, sometimes confrontational side. In interviews, acquaintances described him as principled and willing to act decisively when he perceived injustice, traits that led him to participate actively in “ICE watch” efforts and protests in Minneapolis. One longtime friend, speaking anonymously to local reporters, suggested Pretti’s activism stemmed from deep convictions that could manifest as frustration or direct engagement in tense situations, contrasting with portrayals of him solely as a passive, peaceful observer.

Heather Zielinski, a friend of over 10 years who spoke to NPR, remembered Pretti as a “good person” who made others feel safe, sharing lighthearted moments over tea and emphasizing his humanity amid what she called misleading narratives from officials. She and others expressed frustration with characterizations labeling Pretti a “would-be assassin” or linking him to “domestic terrorism,” terms used by some Trump administration figures shortly after the shooting. Friends stressed that Pretti’s actions—filming agents and attempting to assist a woman being pepper-sprayed—aligned with his lifelong impulse to help, even as they acknowledged his life included personal passions like mountain biking and caring for his dog, Joule, who passed away about a year prior.

The emergence of these nuanced accounts coincides with broader scrutiny of the shooting. Witnesses in sworn affidavits filed in federal court described Pretti not brandishing a weapon and attempting to aid a fallen civilian. A physician near the scene reported agents initially blocking medical assistance. Investigations by the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations continue, with body-worn camera footage under review but not yet publicly released in full. A preliminary CBP report to Congress indicated two agents fired but did not detail Pretti reaching for his firearm after restraint.

Pretti’s family has maintained he was a “kindhearted soul” motivated by care for others, rejecting official claims as “sickening lies.” His parents, Michael and Susan Pretti, noted recent conversations urging caution during protests, to which he responded he understood the risks. His sister, Micayla Pretti, said he “ever wanted was to help someone—anyone.” Colleagues at the VA, including Dr. Dimitri Drekonja, remembered him as competent, friendly, and always ready to assist, often bonding over shared interests.

Friends’ comments add context without contradicting core elements of Pretti’s character. They portray a man shaped by a supportive Wisconsin upbringing—active in sports, music, and scouting—who evolved into an adult committed to direct action on issues he viewed as moral imperatives. Some have hinted at personal challenges or frustrations that fueled his involvement in demonstrations, though no specifics of misconduct or hidden controversies have surfaced. Pretti had no documented criminal history, and associates emphasized his non-violent nature despite passionate advocacy.

The shooting has sparked vigils, protests, and memorials in Minneapolis, Green Bay, and beyond. A growing tribute at Preble High School includes flowers, notes, a stethoscope, and symbols honoring his legacy. Unions like the American Federation of Government Employees and National Nurses United have condemned the incident, linking it to concerns over enforcement tactics. President Donald Trump requested the departure of Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino from Minneapolis and indicated operational adjustments.

As more voices from Pretti’s past contribute to the public record, the discussion around his life reflects the challenges of memorializing individuals amid tragedy and controversy. Friends’ revelations serve as a reminder that few lives fit neatly into heroic archetypes; Pretti’s appears to have been one of genuine care tempered by strong beliefs and human complexities.

The full picture continues to emerge through ongoing investigations, video analyses, and personal testimonies. For those who knew him longest, the emphasis remains on remembering Pretti as a multifaceted person who sought to make a positive impact, even as national debate questions the events leading to his death.