Thousands of individuals gathered at a vigil to honor Alex Jeffrey Pretti, an American citizen and ICU nurse, who was fatally shot by ICE agents. The 37-year-old, armed with a valid license, was allegedly shot after resisting attempts to disarm him. Homeland Security reported that Pretti had a 9mm semi-automatic handgun and two magazines.
While the circumstances of the shooting remain unclear, a local resident who chose to remain anonymous attended the vigil at Whittier Park in Minneapolis, along with about 4,000 others. Despite the peaceful atmosphere, nearby establishments like Aldi were seen boarding up their windows, and attendees were cautious, wearing ski goggles for protection. The vigil was held in -7°F weather with chants, speeches, and the distribution of hand warmers and hot cocoa.
Pretti, born in Illinois, had no criminal record and was described as a compassionate individual who dedicated himself to helping others. His father, Michael Pretti, highlighted Alex’s concerns about the situation in Minneapolis and ICE operations in the United States.
Jeanne Massey, a neighbor of Pretti, expressed shock and anger over the incident, emphasizing the community’s stand against such violence. Massey condemned the repeated shootings in the city during enforcement operations and called for accountability for federal agents’ actions.
Despite the fear gripping Minneapolis, residents are determined not to back down. Governor Tim Walz urged President Donald Trump to remove the federal agents from Minnesota following the recent shootings. This plea comes after the tragic death of Renee Nicole Good, another victim of an ICE agent in Minneapolis, which sparked protests nationwide.