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Alex Pretti

Alex Pretti was an American intensive care nurse who died in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026, after being shot by a U.S.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Alex Pretti was an American intensive care nurse who died in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026, after being shot by a U.S. Border Patrol agent during a federal immigration enforcement operation. News reports describe him as a 37-year-old Wisconsin-raised healthcare worker who had studied at the University of Minnesota and later worked in healthcare in Minnesota.

Early life and education

Pretti was born in Illinois and raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Reports say he attended Preble High School and later graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2011.

Career

He worked in healthcare in Minnesota and was described as an intensive care nurse at a Veterans Affairs medical centre. Some reports also say he previously worked as a research scientist before becoming a nurse.

Death in Minneapolis

Pretti died on January 24, 2026, after being shot by a U.S. Border Patrol agent during a federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis. News coverage noted conflicting accounts from officials, witnesses, and video evidence about the moments before the shooting.

Public reaction

His death prompted extensive media coverage and political debate. Family members, friends, and commentators described him as a compassionate healthcare worker, while the incident became part of wider discussion about federal immigration enforcement.

Key facts

  • Alex Pretti was an American intensive care nurse who died in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026.
  • He was raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and attended Preble High School.
  • He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota in 2011.
  • He worked as an intensive care nurse at a Veterans Affairs medical centre in Minneapolis.
  • His death drew national attention and public debate about immigration enforcement and use of force.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Alex Pretti?
Alex Pretti was an American intensive care nurse from Wisconsin who worked in Minneapolis and died in a January 2026 shooting involving federal agents.
What did Alex Pretti do for work?
He worked as an intensive care nurse at a Veterans Affairs medical centre in Minneapolis, according to news reports.
Where did Alex Pretti grow up?
He was raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Where did Alex Pretti study?
He attended the University of Minnesota and graduated in 2011 with a degree in biology, society and the environment.
How did Alex Pretti die?
He died after being shot by a U.S. Border Patrol agent during a federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026.

References

  1. BBC Newshttps://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62r4g590wqo
    Supports: Background on Pretti's identity, upbringing, and education.
  2. USA Todayhttps://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2026/01/25/alex-pretti-border-patrol-minneapolis/88344430007/
    Supports: Death in Minneapolis, occupation, and public reaction.
  3. Al Jazeerahttps://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/1/25/who-was-alex-pretti-the-nurse-shot-dead-by-federal-agents-in-minneapolis
    Supports: Occupation, education, and circumstances surrounding his death.
  4. Milwaukee Journal Sentinelhttps://www.jsonline.com/story/news/2026/01/25/alex-pretti-cared-for-was-role-model-to-preble-high-school-classmates/88348759007/
    Supports: Green Bay upbringing, Preble High School, and later healthcare work.