Alex Jeffrey Pretti, 37, a U.S. citizen and Minneapolis resident, was fatally shot Saturday during a federal law enforcement operation in Minneapolis. Pretti was a graduate of Green Bay’s Preble High School (Class of 2006), where he performed in show choir and musicals. Family and friends remember him as an athlete, outdoorsman, and devoted companion to his Catahoula Leopard dog, Joule.
Pretti worked as an intensive care nurse at the Veterans Administration, where he cared deeply for veterans and patients. His family described him as compassionate, principled, and deeply concerned about the welfare of others. He had participated in protests in Minneapolis earlier in the month, following the death of Renee Good, and was outspoken about his concerns regarding federal immigration operations in the city.
Born in Illinois, Pretti had no criminal record beyond minor traffic violations, and his family said he had no prior interactions with law enforcement. He legally owned a handgun and had a permit to carry in Minnesota, though his family stated he rarely carried it.
According to federal authorities, Pretti was shot during a confrontation with U.S. Border Patrol officers. Reports indicate he approached agents with a firearm; however, it is not visible in bystander video footage, and details of the incident remain under official investigation.
His family first learned of the tragedy after being contacted by the Associated Press and confirmed his death through the Hennepin County Medical Examiner.
Alex Pretti is remembered as a brother, son, friend, and healthcare professional who devoted his life to helping others. Family, friends, and the Minneapolis community are mourning the loss of a young man whose life was taken far too soon.
No further verified details have been released at this time.
