🚨 NEIGHBOR’S OUTRAGE EXPLODES: Alex Pretti’s next-door neighbor just went public in tears — furious after learning how federal agents kil-led her kind, helpful friend in Minneapolis. She shared their last text exchange right before the tragedy… and the words are absolutely gut-wrenching. 😢💔

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A next-door neighbor of Alex Jeffrey Pretti has publicly expressed outrage and sorrow following the 37-year-old ICU nurse’s fatal shooting by a U.S. Border Patrol agent on January 24, 2026, describing him as a consistently helpful and kind member of their community. The neighbor also referenced recent text message exchanges with Pretti in the lead-up to the incident, portraying him as calm, caring, and focused on everyday concerns rather than confrontation.

The shooting occurred near 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue in the Whittier neighborhood during protests against federal immigration enforcement operations. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials have stated the agent acted in self-defense after Pretti, who held a valid Minnesota concealed carry permit for a 9mm handgun, resisted disarmament efforts and posed a threat.

Multiple bystander videos verified by outlets including NBC News, The New York Times, CNN, BBC, and The Guardian show Pretti holding a cellphone while filming agents and directing traffic. The footage depicts agents pepper-spraying him and others, wrestling him to the ground, pinning him face-down with several officers, removing his firearm, and firing at least 10 shots in under five seconds while he remained restrained. Witnesses in sworn affidavits filed in federal court as part of an ACLU lawsuit testified that Pretti was not brandishing a weapon or attacking officers and appeared to be intervening to assist a woman shoved by agents.

In interviews with media, including CNN’s Sara Sidner and local outlets, Pretti’s next-door neighbor Chris Gray described him as “part of the fabric of my community” and emphasized his role as an ICU nurse, worker, and neighbor alongside immigrants and others in the area. Gray expressed deep anger over the federal account, stating that Pretti was participating in a mass, non-violent protest with tens of thousands and had no intent to harm anyone. “The Alex I want the world to remember was out on the streets yesterday with 50,000 people in general strike in a mass, non-violent protest,” Gray said. He rejected claims that Pretti was a threat, calling federal narratives misleading.

Another neighbor, identified in some reports as Susan or involved in community associations, echoed similar sentiments in appearances on MSNBC and other platforms. She described Pretti as “always ready to assist if a neighbor reached out needing something” and “a good neighbor” with a “kind heart.” She highlighted his belief in helping people and noted the shock and hurt rippling through the neighborhood after his death.

Regarding communication, neighbors and community members have referenced recent text exchanges with Pretti in the hours or days before the incident. In one account shared publicly, a neighbor described messages where Pretti checked in casually, consistent with his helpful nature — asking about well-being or offering assistance in routine ways. Specific content has not been fully disclosed or independently verified by major outlets, but the exchanges have been characterized as normal, non-confrontational, and reflective of Pretti’s character as someone who prioritized care for others. No reports indicate the texts contained warnings, farewells, or indications of anticipating violence; instead, they underscore his everyday kindness amid community concerns over immigration enforcement.

Pretti’s parents, Michael and Susan Pretti, have similarly rejected the federal version as “sickening lies” and “reprehensible and disgusting.” They pointed to video evidence showing their son with a phone in one hand and an empty raised hand while being sprayed and pinned, and noted his motivation stemmed from concern over tactics, including the January 7 shooting of Renée Good. The family learned of the incident from an Associated Press reporter and reported no initial direct contact from DHS.

Pretti worked at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System in intensive care, where colleagues remembered his compassion and professionalism. Dr. Dimitri Drekonja described him as capable, friendly, quick with jokes, and always asking, “What can I do to help?” Dr. Aasma Shaukat called him an “upstanding citizen” committed to human rights. A viral video showed Pretti delivering a final salute to a deceased veteran patient, reading words about freedom requiring sacrifice.

Neighbors and friends have portrayed Pretti as an integral part of the community — someone who mountain biked, helped with repairs, and engaged in local efforts, including participation in ICE watch groups via encrypted apps like Signal to alert residents to federal activity. One neighbor confirmed Pretti was in a neighborhood “ICE alert” group chat, used by volunteers to monitor and respond to sightings of agents non-violently.

This was the second fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen by federal agents in Minneapolis that month, fueling protests, vigils, and criticism from figures like Gov. Tim Walz (who called tactics an “occupation”), Rep. Seth Moulton (who labeled it “murder” and “cowardly”), and poet Amanda Gorman (who wrote a tribute poem). Nursing organizations demanded transparent investigations.

The investigation, led by Homeland Security Investigations with FBI support, includes preserved body-worn camera footage not yet public. A federal judge ordered evidence preservation amid lawsuits. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed Pretti’s clean record beyond minor traffic issues.

As neighbors continue sharing memories and details of Pretti’s final communications, they reinforce a picture of a dedicated, non-threatening individual whose death has stunned the community. The outrage expressed by those who knew him best adds to calls for accountability in federal operations and clarity on the use of force.