Alex Pretti’s Sister Hits Out at ‘Disgusting Lies’ and Honors Her Brother’s Last Act
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Her statement went viral, resonating with supporters and critics alike — not just for its emotional power but for its stark rebuttal to official accounts put forward by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and federal law enforcement. Across family statements, community responses, and national political reaction, the tragic death of Alex Pretti has become a flashpoint of broader questions about civil liberties, federal enforcement policies, misinformation, and the narratives that shape them.
A Life Remembered: Who Was Alex Pretti?
Before examining Micayla’s statement and its impact, it’s important to understand who Alex Pretti was.
Alex was a 37-year-old intensive care unit (ICU) nurse working at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Colleagues described him as compassionate, deeply committed to his patients, and someone with a tireless work ethic who cared especially for veterans and the most vulnerable patients in his care. His life was one of service: a nurse, colleague, friend, and community member known for treating others with dignity.
Friends, family, and coworkers say he “lit up every room he walked into.” He was intelligent, passionate, and dedicated — qualities that carried into his professional life and personal interactions. His commitment to helping others extended beyond the hospital walls into his activism and community engagement.
The Fatal Incident: What Happened on January 24, 2026
On the morning of January 24, 2026, Minneapolis became the scene of a controversial and deadly federal enforcement operation. Federal agents with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) — part of a broader immigration enforcement campaign labeled Operation Metro Surge — were in the area conducting operations near protests against immigration policy. During one such engagement on Nicollet Avenue, agents encountered a crowd of demonstrators and observers.
The Department of Homeland Security issued an initial statement claiming that Alex Pretti had approached federal agents while “armed with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun,” had resisted disarmament, and posed a violent threat — characterizations that were quickly echoed by some federal officials.
The result was tragic. Agents fired multiple shots, and Pretti was killed. The precise sequence of events and motivations of the federal agents remain under investigation, but the discrepancy between federal claims and recorded evidence has become one of the central points of contention of this case.
‘Disgusting Lies’: Micayla Pretti’s Public Rebuttal
In the days following her brother’s death, Micayla Pretti issued a heartfelt and widely shared statement that rejected the official narrative and honored Alex’s life and character.
In her message, Micayla described her brother as “kind, generous, and deeply passionate,” someone who made others feel safe and who devoted his life to helping people — through his role at the VA and in everyday life. She emphasized that Alex always wanted to make a difference and that even in his final moments, “he was simply trying to do just that.”
But her words took on a sharper tone as she responded to claims about her brother’s actions leading up to his death. Micayla condemned the spread of what she called “disgusting lies” — referring to official assertions that painted her brother as a violent aggressor. She called such characterizations “absolutely gut-wrenching” and asked pointedly: “When does this end? How many more innocent lives must be lost before we say enough?”
She also shared the personal cost of those narratives:
“I had the privilege of being his little sister for 32 years. I will never be able to hug him, laugh with him, or cry to him again because of those thugs — and that is a pain no words can fully capture.”
Family Refuses Official Narrative: Parents’ Statement
Micayla was not alone in her response. Alex’s parents, Michael and Susan Pretti, released their own statement criticizing the “sickening lies” told about their son’s death. According to reporting from Sky News, they said the administration’s narrative was both “reprehensible and disgusting,” and stressed that Alex was not holding a gun when he was attacked.
Their words echoed the broader family’s grief: a sense that their loved one’s humanity was being overshadowed by partisan, misleading accounts that obscured the reality of his character and actions.
Public Reactions and National Controversy
The shooting has triggered a wave of reactions nationwide.
Protests and Vigils
Across the country, vigils and protests have been held to honor Alex’s life and call for accountability. Supporters have shared memories of his life, celebrated his compassion, and pushed for truth and transparency from federal authorities.
These gatherings illustrate how deeply the case has resonated beyond his immediate circle — particularly in communities concerned about civil liberties, police and federal enforcement tactics, and the treatment of peaceful protesters.
Political and Legal Fallout
On Capitol Hill, Democratic lawmakers have pledged to block funding for the Department of Homeland Security unless accountability and reforms are ensured. Former President Barack Obama and other national figures have also condemned the killing as a “heartbreaking tragedy” and called for a full investigation.
In Minneapolis, the local political response has also been pronounced. Officials including the mayor and governor have urged federal de-escalation and greater scrutiny of immigration enforcement activities. Some federal agents involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave as investigations continue.
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