Roomies, Alex Pretti has suddenly become the center of a heartbreaking story out of Minneapolis. Those who knew him paint a picture of a dedicated nurse, an avid outdoorsman, and someone who cared deeply about his community. But over the weekend, his life ended in a shocking encounter that has left family, friends, and the city searching for answers.

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Family Remembers Alex Pretti & Mourns His Tragic Passing

Family members say Alex Jeffrey Pretti, 37, was passionate about social justice, particularly around immigration enforcement policies he saw as unjust. He had participated in protests following the January 7 killing of Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer and often spoke to his parents about the importance of standing up for what’s right — though always cautiously. “We had this discussion with him two weeks ago…go ahead and protest, but do not engage, do not do anything stupid,” shared Michael Pretti, Alex’s father. “And he said he knows that. He knew that.” Friends and relatives recall a man who was empathetic, grounded, and nonviolent, which has made the shooting all the more shocking.

Questions Swirl Around What Really Happened

The Department of Homeland Security reported that Alex approached Border Patrol officers carrying a 9 mm semiautomatic handgun, though officials did not specify whether he brandished it. Family members confirmed he owned a handgun and had a permit to carry it in Minnesota, but they said he rarely, if ever, carried it and had no history of violent behavior. Bystander footage shows Alex holding a phone, with no visible weapon in sight, adding to the questions surrounding what exactly happened during the encounter.

The Obamas Speak Out Amid Minneapolis Tragedy

The latest chapter in the grief and controversy surrounding the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti has sparked global reactions. Even Barack and Michelle Obama couldn’t stay silent, dropping a statement that has shaken up the national conversation and put fresh pressure on the Trump administration.

In their statement, the former president and first lady called Pretti’s death a “heartbreaking tragedy” and a “wake‑up call” for Americans of all stripes, accusing federal agents of using tactics that seem meant to “intimidate, harass, provoke and endanger” local communities rather than protect them. They went on to criticize the administration for what they described as explanations that don’t line up with video evidence and urged federal officials to work with local leaders to “avert more chaos and achieve legitimate law enforcement goals.” The Obamas even encouraged everyday Americans to draw inspiration from the wave of peaceful protests erupting in Minneapolis and beyond — a stark rebuke of how things have unfolded so far.

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