These are the only verified remarks from his ex-wife that have been included in established news coverage so far. There isn’t credible reporting from major outlets (People, AP, Reuters, NYT, etc.) containing a longer, direct tribute from her, and unverified social media pages circulating “ex-wife message” content cannot be substantiated without confirmation from reputable news or statements directly attributed to her by name.
📌 What Else Is Known About Alex Pretti’s Death
🧑⚕️ Who Alex Pretti Was
Alex Jeffrey Pretti was a 37-year-old intensive care nurse at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center.
He grew up in Wisconsin, attended the University of Minnesota, and worked with veterans and critically ill patients, where colleagues described him as compassionate, generous, and deeply dedicated to others.
He once gave a viral final salute to a veteran patient he cared for, demonstrating his heartfelt approach to his work.
🔥 Circumstances of His Death
On January 24, 2026, Pretti was shot and killed in Minneapolis by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents during a series of federal immigration enforcement operations in the city.
Authorities claimed he approached them armed and resisted disarmament, but video footage and multiple witness accounts reported in major outlets show he was unarmed with a phone in his hand and trying to help a woman at the time.
🧡 Family Reaction
His sister has also spoken publicly, calling some depictions of him “disgusting lies” and emphasizing the genuine character she knew.
📣 Public Response
The shooting has become a major national controversy, prompting protests, political reactions, and widespread debate over federal immigration enforcement practices and the use of force.