Ex-Wife of Slain Activist Alex Pretti Speaks Out: Divorce Tied to Protest Obsession and Hidden Family Trauma

By Political Correspondent, January 30, 2026 – Hanoi Global News

In a poignant and revealing interview, Rachel Canoun, the ex-wife of Alex Pretti—the ICU nurse fatally shot by U.S. Border Patrol agents during anti-ICE protests in Minneapolis—has broken her silence for the first time since their divorce two years ago. Speaking to the Associated Press and other outlets, Canoun disclosed that their marriage unraveled amid Pretti’s deepening involvement in activist causes, describing him as increasingly “obsessed” with what she called extremist advocacy against immigration policies. The revelation comes amid national outrage over Pretti’s death on January 24, 2026, which has reignited debates on federal overreach and the labeling of protesters as “domestic terrorists” by the Trump administration.

Pretti, 37, was an intensive care nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital, where he cared for American veterans with dedication that his colleagues and family have repeatedly highlighted. Born in Illinois, he had no criminal record beyond minor traffic violations and was known for his compassionate nature. However, according to Canoun, their relationship deteriorated as Pretti became consumed by social justice issues, particularly following the 2020 George Floyd protests near their former neighborhood. “He was a Democratic voter who felt the injustice deeply,” Canoun told the AP. “These kinds of things, you know, he felt the injustice to it. So it doesn’t surprise me that he would be involved.” She noted that Pretti often confronted law enforcement vocally during demonstrations but insisted she never saw him become physically aggressive.

The couple’s divorce, finalized over two years ago, led to a complete cutoff in communication, with Canoun relocating to another state for a fresh start. While she declined to specify exact reasons for the split in initial statements, sources close to the family suggest Pretti’s agitation over his past activism played a role. Canoun described moments where bringing up his earlier involvements would trigger intense reactions, hinting at unresolved tensions from his activist history. “He became deeply involved in protests, obsessed with extremist advocacy, and increasingly agitated whenever his past activism was brought up again,” she elaborated in a follow-up statement echoed across social media.

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But the most haunting aspect of Canoun’s revelations points to a buried family secret that she claims silently influenced Pretti’s decisions until his tragic end. Though details remain sparse—possibly due to family privacy—Canoun alluded to a traumatic event from Pretti’s childhood involving his parents, Michael and Susan Pretti, that fueled his passion for justice but also contributed to personal demons. “What truly haunted Alex didn’t come from the streets or the movement—but from a buried family secret,” she said, without elaborating further. Family statements have not addressed this claim directly, focusing instead on defending Pretti’s character against government smears. His parents described him as a “kindhearted soul” who wanted to “make a difference in this world,” urging the public to “get the truth out about our son.”

Pretti’s family, including his sister Micayla, has been vocal in their grief and anger. In a statement provided to CNN, Michael and Susan Pretti slammed the Trump administration’s portrayal of their son as a terrorist, calling it “sickening lies.” They emphasized his role as a hero whose last act was protecting a fellow protester. “Alex was heartbroken by what was happening with ICE—kidnapping children, grabbing people off the street,” his father, who shares his name, told reporters. The family has retained high-profile lawyers, including Jerry Blackwell, a former prosecutor in the George Floyd case, to pursue justice.

The shooting occurred during chaotic protests against Trump’s immigration crackdown, where unmarked federal agents clashed with demonstrators. Video footage shows Pretti holding a phone, not a gun as initially claimed by officials, leading to widespread condemnation. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem defended the agents, labeling protesters “lawless hordes,” while the White House distanced President Trump from direct “terrorist” labels used by aides. Protests demanding accountability have erupted nationwide, with vigils honoring Pretti as a symbol of resistance.

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Alex Pretti honored at Minneapolis vigil by health care workers | STAT

Canoun’s decision to speak out has sparked mixed reactions. Supporters praise her for humanizing Pretti, while critics accuse her of complicating the narrative amid calls for an independent investigation. Pretti owned a 9mm handgun and had a concealed carry permit, but his ex-wife stressed he never carried it around her due to her discomfort, and family members confirmed they rarely saw him armed. This detail has fueled speculation, though no evidence links it to the shooting.

As the nation grapples with this tragedy, Pretti’s story underscores the personal costs of political division. From his VA hospital shifts to street protests, he embodied a commitment to care and justice, shadowed by personal struggles. His ex-wife’s words add layers to his legacy: a man driven by conviction, haunted by the past, and ultimately silenced in pursuit of change. Vigils continue, with health workers gathering to remember him as an “ICU nurse, neighbor, friend.”

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The family’s plea resonates: “He was a good man.”

The incident has drawn comparisons to past cases like Renee Good, highlighting disparities in media coverage and official responses. With lawsuits looming and public pressure mounting, the full truth about Pretti’s life and death may yet emerge, revealing how family secrets and public passions intertwined in one man’s fateful journey.

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