Thousands of individuals gathered at a vigil to honor Alex Jeffrey Pretti, an ICU nurse and American citizen who was fatally shot by ICE agents. The 37-year-old was reportedly armed with a valid license when the federal agent shot him, alleging that Pretti resisted disarmament and was carrying a 9mm semi-automatic handgun with two magazines.

While the Department of Homeland Security confirmed Pretti was armed, details surrounding the shooting remain unclear. A local resident who attended the vigil at Whittier Park in Minneapolis, among approximately 4,000 attendees, described the peaceful atmosphere despite nearby precautions like Aldi boarding up windows and people wearing ski goggles for protection.

Pretti, originally from Illinois, had no criminal record, according to court documents, and was known as a compassionate individual who chose nursing to help others. His father, Michael Pretti, emphasized his son’s deep care for people and his involvement in protests against ICE practices.

Community members expressed outrage over the shooting, with Jeanne Massey condemning the violence and lack of accountability by federal agents. Despite the fear gripping the city, residents have vowed to stand firm against such incidents and demand the removal of federal agents from Minnesota.

Governor Tim Walz has urged President Donald Trump to withdraw the alleged untrained officers following the recent shooting in Minneapolis. The tragic incident involving Renee Nicole Good on January 7 has sparked nationwide protests, underscoring the growing concern over federal law enforcement actions.