The parents of Alex Pretti say their son’s life and character stand in sharp contrast to official accounts of how he was killed during a federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis on January 24. Pretti, 37, was an ICU nurse who worked with military veterans and was known, they say, for kindness and a strong sense of fairness.

The Department of Homeland Security stated that Pretti was shot by a U.S. Border Patrol officer after approaching agents while armed and resisting efforts to disarm him. However, multiple bystander videos and witness statements have since emerged that challenge that version, with footage appearing to show Pretti holding a phone rather than a firearm in the moments before he was shot.

In interviews, Pretti’s parents recalled their final conversations with him, which centered on everyday topics like home repairs. They said he was aware of the risks surrounding protests tied to immigration enforcement and had been urged to be cautious, advice they believe he took seriously.

Witness affidavits describe Pretti helping direct traffic, filming the scene, and attempting to assist others before being shot multiple times. As investigations continue, his parents are asking that the public focus on verified evidence and accountability, insisting that their son’s story be told truthfully and with respect for who he was.