Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Screen & Stage • Actor

Alex Pretti

Alex Pretti was an American intensive care nurse who died in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026, after being shot by a U.S.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Alex Pretti was an American intensive care nurse fatally shot by a U.S. Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026. His death became a flashpoint in national debates about immigration enforcement and use of force.

Who was Alex Pretti?

Pretti was born in Illinois and raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin, attending Preble High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota in 2011, then worked as a research scientist before becoming a registered nurse. He was employed as an intensive care nurse at a Veterans Affairs medical centre in Minneapolis.

What happened on January 24, 2026?

Pretti died after being shot by a U.S. Border Patrol agent during a federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis. News reports noted conflicting accounts from officials, witnesses, and video evidence regarding the moments leading up to the shooting. The incident remains under investigation.

Why does this case matter?

Pretti’s death drew widespread media attention and political debate. Family and colleagues described him as a compassionate healthcare worker, while advocates raised questions about the scope of federal immigration operations in U.S. cities. The case became part of broader discussions about the use of lethal force by law enforcement.

In short

  • Alex Pretti was a 37-year-old intensive care nurse at a VA medical centre.
  • He was shot by a border patrol agent during an immigration operation.
  • Conflicting accounts surround the shooting, and the case is under review.
  • His death fueled national debate on immigration enforcement and police tactics.

Quick questions

Who was Alex Pretti?
He was an American intensive care nurse from Wisconsin who worked in Minneapolis and died in a January 2026 shooting involving federal agents.
What did Alex Pretti do for work?
He worked as an intensive care nurse at a Veterans Affairs medical centre in Minneapolis, according to news reports.
How did Alex Pretti die?
He died after being shot by a U.S. Border Patrol agent during a federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026.

Sources

  1. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62r4g590wqo
    Supports: Background on Pretti's identity, upbringing, and education.
  2. USA Today — https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2026/01/25/alex-pretti-border-patrol-minneapolis/88344430007/
    Supports: Death in Minneapolis, occupation, and public reaction.
  3. Al Jazeera — https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/1/25/who-was-alex-pretti-the-nurse-shot-dead-by-federal-agents-in-minneapolis
    Supports: Occupation, education, and circumstances surrounding his death.
  4. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel — https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/2026/01/25/alex-pretti-cared-for-was-role-model-to-preble-high-school-classmates/88348759007/
    Supports: Green Bay upbringing, Preble High School, and later healthcare work.