Alex Pretti, Registered Nurse – Biography
- 24 hours ago
- 7 min read
Updated: 17 hours ago
In the current landscape of healthcare and community service in the United States, few stories resonate as deeply as that of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a dedicated Registered Nurse (RN) who distinguished himself through his commitment to patient care, his professional ethics, and his impact on the healthcare community. His tragic death in January 2026 not only shocked family and colleagues but also ignited a national debate about the safety of healthcare professionals outside of the clinical setting and the value of caregivers in our society.
Who was Alex Pretti?
Alex Jeffrey Pretti (37 years old) was a registered nurse and healthcare professional who lived and worked in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and was known for his deep commitment to caring for critically ill patients. Born in Illinois and raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Alex always showed compassion for others, from his involvement in community activities during his youth to his professional career marked by service.
Education and first steps in health
He graduated from Preble High School in 2006.
He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Society, and Environment from the University of Minnesota in 2011, before deciding to pursue a career in the clinical field.
He initially worked as a junior research scientist, participating in studies and projects before returning to school to study nursing.
In 2021, he obtained his official license as a Registered Nurse, which remained active until his death in 2026.
Career in the field of healthcare
Work in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
Alex worked as an ICU nurse for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health system in Minneapolis. In this demanding environment, her work involved not only complex medical procedures but also providing emotional support to patients and families during extremely critical times.
His colleagues consistently described him as someone:
Highly competent and reliable, with strong clinical skills and quick decision-making abilities in emergencies.
Empathetic and respectful, especially toward critically ill veterans who required not only technical care but also human dignity.
With a curious mind and always willing to collaborate, even participating in academic activities and research studies focused on improving clinical care standards.
One of the moments most remembered by those who worked with him was when he accompanied and honored a deceased veteran with a ceremonial walk through the hospital, demonstrating the profound respect and dignity he offered to every patient under his care.
Mac Randolph, from Minneapolis, shared how Alex Pretti cared for his father, Air Force veteran Terry Randolph, during his final moments at the Veterans Affairs facility in Richfield, Minnesota, administering morphine and alleviating his pain with patience and compassion. “Alex was there that last night,” Randolph recalled, “he was a truly lovely person.” Randolph emphasized how Pretti supported the entire family when they turned off the oxygen, gently comforting and guiding them through their final goodbyes.
In an emotional message posted on his Facebook profile, Randolph also shared a video he had never wanted to post, in which Alex reads the final tribute to his father after his passing, highlighting his dedication and humanity. Terry's last words to his son—“Keep fighting the good fight”—have become an inspiration to those who know Pretti's story, and Randolph encouraged everyone to follow that same spirit of service, honor, and compassion in memory of both of them.
Professional impact on health
In addition to his daily clinical work, Alex contributed to creating a collaborative and compassionate work environment within the units where he practiced. His ability to communicate with families, understand complex medical histories, and offer comfort transformed his presence into something more than just a technical role; he was an emotional pillar for colleagues and patients alike.
Details of his death
On January 24, 2026, Alex Pretti was fatally shot by federal agents during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis while participating in a peaceful protest related to actions by the federal immigration agency.
According to multiple testimonies, witness videos, and family statements, Alex:
Did not pose a direct threat when he was attacked by several officers during the protest.
He was filming with his phone and trying to protect a woman who had been pushed to the ground by officers.
He was tackled, subdued on the ground, and subsequently shot multiple times, resulting in his death.
His family has refuted official statements suggesting that he was carrying or had brandished a weapon aggressively, calling them "disgusting lies."
This event was part of a series of recent clashes in Minneapolis between federal agents and residents, which has fueled an intense debate about the use of force and protocols for dealing with civilians.
Investigation of the incident
Following the death of Alex Pretti, local and federal authorities entered into an investigative conflict. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty requested that the scene be secured by local authorities to preserve evidence and allow for a thorough investigation. Her office worked with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) in the expectation that federal authorities would grant them access to investigate the location where Pretti was killed.
However, several hours after the shooting, FBI agents arrived in armored vehicles, and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials prevented local police and state investigators from accessing the scene, even though the BCA had a signed court order authorizing them to enter.
The DHS released a photograph of the weapon they claimed Pretti was carrying, indicating that he had a firearm and two magazines, although he had no visible identification. The Department stated that the man apparently approached the officers with the intention of “massacring law enforcement,” according to their official statement.
Authorities in Minnesota have stated that Pretti had a legal permit to carry a firearm, which is allowed under state law, and that there is not yet an independent or verified account of how the confrontation began.
The U.S. Department of Justice also launched a federal investigation on the same day as the shooting, while the lack of access for state and local investigators has generated controversy and public calls for a transparent and complete review of the events.
Impact of his death on the healthcare sector
Mobilization of the medical community
Alex's death has elicited a profound response among healthcare organizations and nursing professionals across the United States.
The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) issued an official statement lamenting his passing and highlighting how the death of a fellow nurse in such circumstances emotionally impacts the entire profession and underscores the vulnerability of those who daily face life-and-death situations.
Reflection on the value of healthcare professionals
The impact of Alex's death has sparked a broader conversation about:
The role of healthcare professionals outside of the clinical setting and their safety.
The emotional and human toll of healthcare work, which extends beyond the doctor's office or the patient's bedside.
The calls from medical associations for transparent investigations when a healthcare provider loses their life under controversial circumstances.
Professional and human legacy
Colleagues remembered him as a nurse with extraordinary clinical skills, capable of remaining calm in critical situations and always ready to provide support. His caring approach earned him respect and admiration among the medical teams he worked with.
🔖 Key Takeaways
🗝️ Who he was: Alex Jeffrey Pretti was a registered intensive care nurse who dedicated his life to caring for critically ill patients, especially veterans, in Minneapolis.
🗝️ Education and career in healthcare: He trained at the University of Minnesota and worked as an ICU nurse at a Department of Veterans Affairs hospital, where he was recognized for his ethics and empathy.
🗝️ Personal passions: Outside of the hospital, Alex was a lover of cycling, nature, and social causes, always seeking to help others.
🗝️ Circumstances of his death: On January 24, 2026, Alex Pretti died after being shot by federal agents during a protest in Minneapolis.
🗝️ Context of the event: His death occurred in an environment of high social tension due to immigration operations and citizen protests in the city.
🗝️ Reaction and impact on society: The case generated national outrage, protests, and calls for a transparent investigation from the community and health organizations.
🗝️ Legacy in the healthcare field: Alex Pretti is remembered as a symbol of the commitment, dedication, and humanity of nursing staff in the United States.
The story of Alex Pretti is not only that of a talented nurse, but also of a human being who embodied the values of service, empathy, respect, and dignity. His loss has deeply affected not only those who worked with him in the intensive care unit, but also a nation that has seen in his life and death an opportunity to reflect on how we value and protect those who dedicate their lives to caring for others.
🌐 External sources
Keywords: Alex Pretti Registered Nurse Biography
Alex Pretti Registered Nurse Biography
