New evidence suggests the fatal shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti may have been caused by a tragic mistake. While officials initially labeled Pretti a “gunman,” a firearms expert now believes the first shot heard was an accident by a federal agent. This accidental discharge likely caused other agents to open fire, thinking they were under attack.
Video footage shows that Pretti was already pinned to the ground and pepper-sprayed when he was shot. Witnesses and recordings indicate he was holding a phone, not a weapon, while trying to protect a woman. Experts believe an agent disarmed Pretti but accidentally fired the weapon while leaving the scene, creating deadly confusion.
The 37-year-old nurse was a legal gun owner and was not breaking any laws by carrying his firearm. His family has strongly rejected the administration’s claims that he intended to harm law enforcement. They describe him as a kind man who spent his life caring for veterans and died while trying to help a stranger.
This incident has added to the growing tension in Minneapolis. Over the past several weeks, the city has seen a surge in federal activity, leading to protests and legal battles. Local leaders have expressed deep concern over the aggressive tactics used by these federal units in residential neighborhoods.
As the community mourns, the focus remains on finding the truth. The conflict between video evidence and official statements has led to widespread calls for a full investigation. For Pretti’s loved ones, the goal is clear: to clear his name and ensure such a tragedy never happens again.