The parents of 37-year-old Alex Pretti, the Minneapolis ICU nurse who federal immigration agents fatally shot on Jan. 24, have shared details of their last conversation with their son days before his death.
Pretti’s parents, Michael and Susan, said they spoke with him a few days before the shooting, discussing everyday matters such as repairs he had made at his home. They described him as caring and generous, and said he had recently given a large tip to a Latino worker who had helped with a garage door project — a decision they said reflected his concern for others amid the ongoing unrest over immigration enforcement.
The family, who live in Colorado, said they had urged their son, who was armed with a handgun when he confronted Border Patrol officers, to be cautious if he chose to participate in protests surrounding immigration policy in Minneapolis, where tensions have risen following separate fatal encounters between federal agents and civilians.
“We had this discussion with him two weeks ago or so, you know, that go ahead and protest, but do not engage, do not do anything stupid, basically,” Michael told the AP.
“And he said he knows that,” Michael continued. “He knew that.”
🇺🇸 Alex Pretti’s parents warned him: protest, but stay clear of federal agents.
He promised he would. He didn’t.
Alex’s father:
"We had this discussion with him 2 weeks ago or so.
[We said] go ahead and protest, but do not engage. Do not do anything stupid, basically."… https://t.co/gGLqM6D8kg pic.twitter.com/7x63aDoSc4
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) January 25, 2026
In a statement released after Pretti’s death was confirmed, they described him as a “kind-hearted soul.” They also rejected the DHS’s account of the shooting, calling the statements “sickening lies.”
“We are heartbroken but also very angry,” the statement began. “Alex wanted to make a difference in this world. Unfortunately he will not be with us to see his impact.”
In statements released after Pretti’s death, his parents characterized him as a devoted caregiver and a compassionate person who cared deeply about both his patients and the broader community. They have disputed claims that he posed a threat during the confrontation that led to his shooting, saying he was trying to protect others when he was struck.
The family’s account of their last interaction with Pretti comes as federal and local authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the shooting and as the incident has fueled broader debate over immigration enforcement practices and public safety.
The Department of Homeland Security, meanwhile, is examining whether an accidental discharge of Pretti’s firearm may have contributed to the fatal Border Patrol shooting during a federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis on Jan. 24, according to officials familiar with the inquiry.
Investigators are now reviewing whether Pretti’s handgun may have discharged unintentionally during a physical struggle, potentially leading agents to believe they were under fire. Officials are analyzing video footage, forensic evidence, and witness statements to determine whether a gunshot occurred before agents opened fire.
“It was 100% an accidental discharge by the agent that relieved that person of their weapon. Because everyone’s guns were out, they think that there’s a shooting,” one source said.
“The explanation is a shift from initial claims by DHS officials, who at first said Pretti was brandishing the Sig Sauer P320 pistol, which he was legally allowed to carry,” The Post reported without noting that Pretti did not have an ID or his weapons permit on his person, which is a requirement under Minnesota state law.
In addition, state law requires a permit holder to show it and a government ID if requested by police.
The Sig Sauer P320 has been associated with reports of “uncommanded discharges” caused by external factors affecting the trigger. The company has denied these claims.
The handgun is widely used by both US civilians and law enforcement agencies, including ICE, but it does not have an external safety lever.
An analysis of bystander video indicates that a single gunshot may have originated from Pretti’s firearm after a Border Patrol agent removed the weapon from Pretti’s waistband and began moving away with it. Investigators are examining whether the discharge was accidental.
