Killing of American Nurse by Security Forces in Minneapolis Sparks Outrage, Calls for Urgent Investigation
Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old American citizen, was killed by federal security forces during an incident that occurred yesterday in Minneapolis, Minnesota, triggering widespread controversy across the United States and growing demands for an independent investigation.
According to U.S. media reports, Pretti — a nurse working in the intensive care unit at a Veterans Affairs hospital — was present near local protests related to immigration policies when an altercation occurred between him and security personnel affiliated with a federal agency. He was subsequently shot and killed at the scene.
Conflicting Accounts
In an initial statement, security authorities claimed that Pretti “approached in a threatening manner,” prompting officers to feel endangered and use their weapons.
However, the victim’s family and eyewitnesses insist that Pretti was unarmed and was holding only his phone while recording events. They say circulating videos show him defenseless at the moment he was shot.
Public Anger and Calls for Accountability
The incident sparked a wave of anger on social media platforms, with activists and human rights organizations describing it as an “extrajudicial killing” and calling for:
An independent federal investigation
The suspension of the officers involved
The full release of official body camera footage
Limited protest gatherings were also held last night outside Minneapolis City Hall, demanding justice.
Who Was Alex Pretti?
An ICU nurse
Employed at a Veterans Affairs hospital
Known among colleagues for humanitarian and volunteer work
Had no criminal record, according to his family
Anticipated Official Investigation
The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office confirmed that a preliminary investigation has already been opened, pledging to announce transparent findings in the coming days amid mounting media and human rights pressure.
