Alex Pretti’s parents have painted a portrait of their son that contrasts sharply with official accounts. Pretti, 37, was an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital, known for his calm, compassionate care, especially for veterans.

The Department of Homeland Security said he was shot by a U.S. Border Patrol agent during a “targeted operation,” claiming he approached officers armed with a handgun and resisted disarmament.

His parents, Michael and Susan Pretti, rejected this portrayal, describing him as kindhearted and motivated by concern for others, not violence. They emphasized that he was not aggressive toward law enforcement.

In a written statement, they called the federal narrative “sickening” and insisted that video evidence shows him holding a phone, not a gun, during the confrontation.

They shared that on the day of the shooting, Pretti’s last act was trying to help a woman, reflecting his nature as someone who consistently aided others.

Family members highlighted his dedication to veterans and his empathetic nature as central to his identity, underscoring a life of service and care.

The Prettis urged the public to “get the truth out” about who their son really was, challenging misleading portrayals and calling for honesty in reporting.

Their remarks have fueled broader demands for independent investigation and transparency, raising questions about the alignment of official accounts with video evidence and witness testimony.