Health care community mourns Alex Pretti, the VA nurse killed Saturday by federal agent

January 26, 2026 - 20:57

Hundreds of Minnesotans have gathered at a Minneapolis site in a solemn vigil, mourning the death of 37-year-old Alex Pretti. Pretti was shot and killed on Saturday by a federal border patrol agent in an incident that has sent shockwaves through the local community.

The gatherings are notably filled with health care workers who are grieving the profound loss of one of their own colleagues. Alex Pretti served as an intensive care unit nurse at the Veterans Affairs hospital in Minneapolis, dedicating his career to caring for the nation’s veterans. His sudden death has left a void within the tight-knit medical teams at the VA and across the broader health care community in the region.

Friends, colleagues, and community members are remembering Pretti not only for his professional dedication but for his character and impact beyond the hospital walls. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation by authorities. As the community seeks answers, the primary focus for many is on honoring the memory of a caregiver who spent his life in service to others, making this loss particularly resonant for those in the nursing and veteran support communities.