Parents of Slain Minneapolis Nurse Share Final Warning to Their Son Before Fatal Confrontation

The parents of Alex Pretti, the 37-year-old Minneapolis ICU nurse who was fatally shot by federal immigration agents on Jan. 24, are now speaking publicly about their final conversation with their son in the days leading up to his death — a discussion they say included a clear warning to avoid confrontation as tensions rose over immigration enforcement.

Pretti’s parents, Michael and Susan, told the Associated Press they spoke with their son shortly before the incident, covering routine, everyday topics such as home repairs he had recently completed. They described him as generous and empathetic, noting that he had recently left a large tip for a Latino worker who assisted with a garage door project — an act they said reflected his concern for others during a period of heightened unrest surrounding immigration policy.

The family, who reside in Colorado, said they specifically cautioned their son to exercise restraint if he chose to attend protests in Minneapolis, where emotions were already elevated following multiple fatal encounters involving federal agents.

“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.”

Following confirmation of Pretti’s death, his parents released a statement describing him as a “kind-hearted soul” while sharply disputing the Department of Homeland Security’s initial account of the shooting, calling those claims “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 subsequent statements, the family portrayed Pretti as a devoted caregiver who was deeply committed to both his patients and the wider community. They rejected assertions that he posed a threat during the confrontation, maintaining instead that he was attempting to protect others when he was shot.

As investigators continue to review the incident, federal and local authorities are reexamining the circumstances surrounding the encounter, which has intensified debate over immigration enforcement tactics, protest activity, and public safety under President Donald J. Trump’s administration.

According to officials familiar with the investigation, DHS is assessing whether an accidental discharge of Pretti’s own firearm may have played a role in the fatal shooting. Investigators are reviewing video footage, forensic evidence, and witness testimony to determine whether a gunshot occurred before Border Patrol 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.

This account represents a shift from earlier DHS statements, which claimed Pretti was brandishing a Sig Sauer P320 pistol. As The Post reported, Pretti was legally permitted to carry the firearm but did not have his identification or weapons permit on his person — both of which are required under Minnesota law when requested by law enforcement.

State law mandates that permit holders present both a government-issued ID and a carry permit if asked by police.

The Sig Sauer P320 has been the subject of past reports alleging “uncommanded discharges” caused by external forces acting on the trigger, though the manufacturer has denied those claims. The handgun is widely used by civilians and law enforcement agencies, including ICE, and does not feature an external manual safety.

Preliminary analysis of bystander video suggests that a single gunshot may have originated from Pretti’s firearm after a Border Patrol agent removed it from his waistband and began moving away. Investigators are now determining whether that discharge occurred accidentally — a finding that could significantly alter the narrative surrounding the deadly encounter.