‘When does this end?’: Sister of Alex Pretti calls out ‘disgusting lies’ in statement

The sister of Alex Pretti, the 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse who was fatally shot by a U.S. Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis on Saturday, has released a statement, pushing back against the “absolutely gut-wrenching” falsehoods she said have been spread in the aftermath.

The remarks from Micayla Pretti, Alex Pretti’s younger sister, closely mirror those released by parents Michael and Susan Pretti over the weekend.

“Alex was kind, generous, and had a way of lighting up every room he walked into,” Micayla Pretti’s statement, shared with numerous outlets, including The Minnesota Star Tribune, began. “He was incredibly intelligent and deeply passionate, and he made people feel safe.”

It continued:

“But most importantly, he was my brother. I had the privilege of being his little sister for 32 years. I will never be able to hug him, laugh with him, or cry to him again because of those thugs
— and that is a pain no words can fully capture.

“Alex always wanted to make a difference in this world, and it’s devastating that he won’t be here to witness the impact he was making. Through his work at the VA caring for the sickest patients, and passion to advance cancer research, he touched more lives than he probably ever realized. All Alex ever wanted was to help someone — anyone. Even in his very last moments on this earth, he was simply trying to do just that.

“I want to thank everyone who has reached out to my family and me, whether you knew Alex personally or not. The messages, posts, and overwhelming positivity shared about him truly reflect his character, work ethic, and passions. My brother is, and always will be, my hero.

“When does this end? How many more innocent lives must be lost before we say enough? Hearing disgusting lies spread about my brother is absolutely gut-wrenching, and my family is deeply grateful so many people have stood up and helped tell his truth. He would be very proud.”
A makeshift memorial is placed where Alex Pretti was fatally shot by a U.S. Border Patrol officer yesterday, in Minneapolis, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Adam Gray)

What happened to Alex Pretti?

In several videos captured by witnesses, Pretti can be seen embracing a woman after a federal officer appears to shove her. The officer then pushes Pretti, who can be seen holding a phone toward the officer.

Pretti and the other person fall back as several officers surround Pretti. One is on his back, and another who appears to have a canister in his hand strikes a blow to his chest. Several officers try to bring Pretti’s arms behind his back as he appears to resist. As they pull his arms, his face is briefly visible. The officer with the canister strikes him near his head several times.

A shot rings out, but with officers surrounding the man, it’s not clear where it came from. Multiple officers back off. More shots are heard. Officers back away, and the man lies motionless on the street.

Pretti’s parents said they first learned of the shooting when they were called by an Associated Press reporter. In a statement, Michael and Susan Pretti said they were “heartbroken but also very angry” before calling “The sickening lies told about our son by the administration…reprehensible and disgusting.”

Trump says ‘big investigation’ underway

Trump on Tuesday was asked whether he thought Pretti’s killing was justified and he responded by saying that a “big investigation” was underway.

“I want to see the investigation. I’m going to be watching over it, and I want a very honorable and honest investigation. I have to see it myself,” he told reporters as he left the White House. He was also asked about Pretti’s family and said in response, he said: “I love everybody. I love all of our people. I love his family. And it’s a very sad situation.”

Trump was also asked if Pretti was an “assassin” as a key aide has claimed, and the president answered “no.”

On Saturday, White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller on social media described Pretti as an “assassin” who “tried to murder federal agents.” Vice President JD Vance shared the post on X as well.