Alex Pretti’s parents, Michael and Susan Pretti, held their first press conference since their son was killed by ICE.
The mourning parents called for the Department of Justice to hold those involved in their son’s death accountable.
Alex Pretti’s Death
The ICU nurse was shot and killed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, after a heated confrontation between ICE agents and protesters in January.
The Department of Homeland Security said U.S. Border Patrol officers were conducting an operation when Pretti approached them. According to the department, the agent who shot and killed Pretti acted in self-defense. However, bystander videos taken from various angles seemingly contradicted the government’s stance.
Pretti — a concealed carry permit holder in Minnesota — owned and was carrying a handgun at the time of his death.
“Alex wanted to make a difference in this world,” his parents said in a statement after his murder. “Unfortunately, he will not be with us to see his impact.”
They added, “Please get the truth out about our son. He was a good man.”
Alex was raised in Wisconsin and was the eldest child and only son of Susan and Michael.
Pretti’s Parents’ Statement
The Prettis spoke publicly on Tuesday, October 27, slamming the federal government’s handling of their son’s investigation. They called for the release of all the evidence related to their son’s death.
“Alex had a deep sense of justice. He believed that everyone should be treated equally and with respect regardless of who you are,” Susan said. “Of course, many parents would say this about their kids, but I know I wasn’t the only person to see these qualities. I know this because we heard from so many of his friends and colleagues who told us these are the things that they loved about Alex.”
She added that she and her husband were “overwhelmed” with the support following Alex’s death.
“The federal government went on TV and lied about Alex. They tried to slander his memory to cover up their crime,” she continued. “Not only was it wrong, it was shameful, unfair, and acceptable. We want to clear our son’s name…We want our son’s killers brought to justice once and for all.”
Susan went on to beg the Department of Justice to “do what is right, to hold the men who murdered our son accountable for what they did.”
Alex’s father revealed that their family learned of their son’s death from the media as videos circulated following the shooting.
“He was peaceful. He was observing. He was not protesting…His hands were in the air before he was tackled to the ground. He was faced down on the ground when he was executed by ICE agents,” Michael said. “Everyone in this room has seen that video. Millions of people in this country and around the world have seen that video. We know exactly what our eyes saw. Alex was murdered and he should be here today with us.”
He added, “We will no longer stay silent about the actions of the Department of Justice in the 275 days since Alex’s murder.”
Alex Pretti’s Parents Demand Justice 9 Months After Their Son Was Killed by ICE: ‘Once and For All’