CHILLING FINAL WORDS: ALEX PRETTI’S PARENTS RECALL HEARTBREAKING LAST CALL BEFORE TRAGEDY

In a raw and emotional interview, the parents of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, the 37-year-old ICU nurse fatally shot by a U.S. Border Patrol agent during protests in Minneapolis, have shared the devastating details of their final conversation with their son. Michael and Susan Pretti, who live in Colorado, spoke to the Associated Press and other outlets about the ordinary phone call just days before the January 24, 2026 incident that ended their son’s life.

The last direct talk was calm and everyday: Alex mentioned repairing his garage door and generously tipping a Latino worker who helped him, a small act of kindness amid rising fears over immigration enforcement. His parents, aware of his participation in protests against President Trump’s immigration crackdown—including actions following the earlier fatal shooting of Renee Good—recalled an earlier discussion two weeks prior. In it, Michael urged caution: “Go ahead and protest, but do not engage, do not do anything stupid, basically.” Alex reassured them he understood.

That warning echoes now with unbearable regret. Michael Pretti’s protective plea—“be careful and don’t engage”—has become a haunting refrain for the family. They never imagined those words would be among the last guidance they gave their son. The day of the shooting, they learned of the tragedy not from authorities but through a reporter’s call, heightening their shock and anger.

Alex, described by his parents as a “kindhearted soul” who cared deeply for family, friends, and the veterans he treated at the Minneapolis VA hospital, was an avid outdoorsman who loved adventures with his Catahoula Leopard dog, Joule (who passed recently). He protested because he believed the enforcement tactics— “kidnapping children, grabbing people off the street”—were wrong. His final act, per family statements and video evidence, involved aiding a woman sprayed with chemical irritant and pushed down, phone in hand, before the fatal encounter.

In a powerful public statement released shortly after his death, Michael and Susan expressed profound grief mixed with fury: “We are heartbroken but also very angry. Alex wanted to make a difference in this world. Unfortunately he will not be with us to see his impact.” They rejected federal claims labeling him a threat or terrorist as “reprehensible and disgusting,” insisting he was “a good man” who acted heroically to protect another. They pleaded for the truth to emerge, emphasizing recordings and bystander footage showing him unarmed in the moments leading up.

The incident occurred amid heightened federal operations in Minneapolis, sparking outrage over immigration policy and use of force. Minnesota officials dismissed administration narratives as “nonsense” and “lies.” The Prettis have struggled for information from agencies, learning details piecemeal. Their voices carry the weight of irreversible loss—the “what ifs” of that final call, the love conveyed in ordinary words, now frozen in tragedy.

Alex’s story has ignited nationwide debate on protest rights, law enforcement accountability, and the human cost of policy clashes. His parents’ lingering regret serves as a somber reminder: protective words spoken in love can become lifelong echoes when the unthinkable happens.

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Alex Pretti in his ICU nurse scrubs, smiling warmly—remembered for his compassion toward veterans and others.

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Michael Pretti, Alex’s father, during an emotional interview—his face heavy with grief as he recalls the final warning.

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Alex Pretti hiking outdoors, backpack on—capturing his adventurous spirit and love for nature.

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Minneapolis vigil scene: flowers, candles, and signs surround tributes to Alex amid snow-covered ground.

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Memorial setup in the cold: protesters gather around photos, signs demanding justice, and heartfelt messages for Alex.

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Close-up of a vigil wreath with Alex’s photo and “Rest in Peace” note—symbolizing community mourning and love.

From a simple garage chat to eternal regret, the Prettis’ pain underscores life’s fragility. Alex’s legacy of kindness lives on through those he touched. 💔🕊️