Minneapolis, MN — In the wake of the tragic death of 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Jeffrey Pretti, colleagues and healthcare professionals gathered to pay tribute to the veteran caregiver in a deeply emotional moment of silence at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The tribute, held just days after his fatal shooting by federal immigration enforcement agents, underscored both the respect felt for Pretti and the shock reverberating through the medical community.

Pretti, who worked in the intensive care unit at the VA facility, was fatally shot by U.S. Border Patrol agents on January 24, 2026, during a controversial encounter in the Whittier neighborhood of Minneapolis. Federal officials initially described the incident as a law enforcement engagement involving Pretti, but eyewitness videos and testimonies provide conflicting accounts of his actions at the time of the shooting.

A Solemn Tribute at the VA Medical Center

On Monday morning, staff at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center lined the halls of the intensive care unit for a silent tribute to their fallen colleague. Photos shared widely on social media show nurses and healthcare workers standing side by side, heads bowed in respect, marking a poignant moment of collective grief and recognition for Pretti’s service.

One colleague, Garrett Peterson, posted images on social media alongside a simple message: “A moment of silence for Alex Pretti. One of our colleagues!! May he rest in peace.” The images capture a team united in sorrow, reflecting on a life dedicated to patient care and community service.

Pretti’s coworkers remember him not only as a skilled clinician but also as a compassionate and steady presence in the ICU. Many described him as someone who embodied the core values of nursing — empathy, professionalism, and dedication — and whose influence extended beyond clinical practice into mentorship and collegial support.

Reactions From the Healthcare Community

The moment of silence at the Minneapolis VA facility was not isolated. Healthcare workers in other regions have also expressed grief and solidarity. In Spokane, Washington, employees at the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center held their own tribute, affixing photos of Pretti to their ID badges and observing silence in his honor. Witnesses reported a mix of sorrow and solemn reflection as colleagues remembered Pretti’s commitment to veterans and his work ethic.

Beyond hospital walls, other medical professionals have held vigils and public gatherings to reflect on Pretti’s life and to emphasize the values he represented. At Highland Hospital in the Bay Area, dozens of healthcare workers gathered for a vigil outside the facility, singing and sharing stories about what Pretti’s life and death mean for the broader healthcare community.

The responses highlight a sense of shared loss felt by those in the medical field, many of whom consider Pretti’s death indicative of larger challenges faced by caregivers — from demanding work environments to the emotional toll of public service in times of political and social conflict.

Who Was Alex Pretti?

Alex Pretti was known by colleagues, patients, and friends as a dedicated healthcare professional deeply committed to serving others. He worked in the intensive care unit of the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, where he cared for veterans and critically ill patients, earning the respect of both peers and supervisors. Pretti’s career path reflected a deep interest in patient service and medical excellence.

Before becoming an ICU nurse, Pretti worked in research and clinical roles at the VA hospital, where he collaborated with infectious disease specialists and other healthcare professionals. Colleagues recall him as someone who brought positivity to the workplace and was willing to assist others in any capacity, whether in patient care or interdisciplinary projects.

As news of his death spread, tributes from across the healthcare industry began to circulate. Many remembered Pretti for his quiet dedication and the deep sense of compassion he brought to his work each day — traits that made him both a trusted caregiver and a valued teammate.

Contested Circumstances of His Death

The circumstances leading to Pretti’s death have been a source of intense public debate and scrutiny. According to official statements from the Department of Homeland Security, Border Patrol agents shot Pretti after an encounter during a federal operation. DHS characterized the event as a necessary action by law enforcement. However, video evidence and eyewitness accounts have raised serious questions about the narrative, showing Pretti holding a mobile phone at the time of the incident and attempting to aid others when he was confronted by agents.

Family members and local officials challenged the federal account, asserting that Pretti posed no threat and was acting in a peaceful manner. They have accused authorities of mischaracterizing the incident and demanded transparency and accountability from federal agencies involved.

Public Outcry and Community Response

The news of Pretti’s death sparked not only professional tributes but also widespread community reaction. Vigils were held around Minneapolis, where residents gathered to mourn and share their memories of Pretti as a caregiver and compassionate neighbor. At a game in Minneapolis, the local NBA team — the Timberwolves — observed a moment of silence before tipoff to honor Pretti’s memory, demonstrating the breadth of his impact beyond healthcare walls.

The shooting also triggered broader discussions about law enforcement tactics, civil liberties, and the role of federal agencies in local communities. Public figures, activists, and lawmakers have weighed in, some calling for investigations and oversight of how the incident was handled.

Family Statements and Personal Reflections

Pretti’s family described him as a loving son and a compassionate caregiver whose work was defined by service and kindness. Following his death, they issued statements expressing both grief and frustration with official descriptions of the incident. Pretti’s sister and parents have emphasized his generosity and commitment to helping others, painting a picture of a man motivated by deep care for his community.

Close friends and former coworkers have echoed these sentiments, sharing stories of Pretti’s presence in the ICU, his willingness to mentor young nurses, and his genuine concern for patients and their families. These reflections paint a portrait of a professional whose influence extended well beyond routine duties — someone whose impact will be felt by many in the years to come.

Legacy and Continued Mourning

The moment of silence and ongoing tributes to Alex Pretti reflect both the immediate grief of his colleagues and a broader sense of loss felt across the healthcare community. As debates continue about the circumstances of his death and the policies that may have contributed to the tragedy, the focus on Pretti’s life and service endures.

Healthcare workers, patients, and community members alike continue to honor his memory through moments of silence, personal remembrances, and public gatherings — a testament to the lasting impression he made on those who knew him professionally and personally.

Conclusion

What began as a moment of silence held by colleagues at a Minneapolis hospital has blossomed into a multi-faceted tribute to a man whose life was defined by care, compassion, and commitment to others. The ongoing tributes, vigils, and public acknowledgments of Pretti’s service underscore the profound impact one individual can have on a community — and the deep sense of loss felt when that life is taken too soon.