Family of slain anti-ICE protester says they are ‘heartbroken and angry’ in first statement
The family of the anti-ICE Minnesota protester who was gunned down by border patrol said they are “heartbroken and angry” in their first statement since his on-camera killing.
“The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting. Alex is clearly not holding a gun when attacked by Trump’s murdering and cowardly ICE thugs,” the family said in a statement.
Alex Jeffrey Pretti was fatally shot after being wrestled to the ground by six federal agents during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation in Minneapolis.
His family, who described themselves as “heartbroken and angry” painted a picture of a selfless professional who dedicated his life to helping veterans as a nurse at the local VA hospital.
“Alex was a kindhearted soul who cared deeply for his family and friends and also the American veterans whom he cared for as an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital,” the statement said.
Pretti was seen on video holding a cell phone and attempting to shield a woman who had been pushed to the ground by ICE officers.
He is then pushed away from the woman and pepper-sprayed until he is taken to the ground by multiple agents.
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Pretti is seen struggling on his hands and knees beneath the weight of multiple border patrol agents before one officer wearing a gray jacket seizes his holstered firearm.
Moments later at least a dozen shots rang out, killing him.
The victim’s family described him as a “hero.”
“Alex wanted to make a difference in this world. Unfortunately, he will not be with us to see his impact. I do not throw around the hero term lightly. However, his last thought and act was to protect a woman,” the statement said.
The Department of Homeland Security said Pretti had a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun and that the officers feared for their lives.
“The officers attempted to disarm the suspect but the armed suspect violently resisted, fearing for his life and the lives and safety of fellow officers. An agent fired defensive shots,” the DHS said.
Pretti’s family dismissed the DHS’s claims as “sickening lies,” and said he was no threat to law enforcement.
“He has his phone in his right hand and his empty left hand is raised above his head while trying to protect the woman ICE just pushed down all while being pepper-sprayed,” the family stated.
The grieving family implored the public to “please get the truth out about our son” and said he was a “good man.”