South Minneapolis woke up to heartbreak early Saturday after federal officers fatally shot Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old man whose life ended during a fast-moving law enforcement operation. Authorities confirmed his identity later that day, setting off a wave of grief and unease across the city.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara addressed the public in a news conference, offering the first official account. He said Pretti had no serious criminal history. Records show only minor parking violations. Police also confirmed Pretti legally owned a firearm and had a valid permit to carry.
State records paint a fuller picture of who Pretti was beyond the final moments of his life. He attended the University of Minnesota and became a licensed nurse in 2021. That license remains active through March 2026. Friends and neighbors say this makes the loss feel even heavier.
The shooting happened during a federal law enforcement operation in south Minneapolis. Officials have not yet shared why Pretti was the focus of the operation. What they have said is that the encounter escalated quickly. Federal officers fired their weapons, and Pretti was pronounced dead at the scene.
Public concern intensified after video footage began circulating online. The video appears to show Pretti being disarmed before the fatal shots were fired. That single detail has struck a nerve. It has fueled anger, confusion, and urgent calls for transparency.
Federal authorities have acknowledged the video and say it will be reviewed closely. Investigators are now examining body-worn camera footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence. So far, no full timeline has been released, and no clear explanation has been given to reconcile what the video appears to show with official statements.
Across Minneapolis, reactions have been emotional and raw. Many people point to Pretti’s work as a nurse and his lack of a violent past. They say those facts matter. They say this death deserves clear answers, not silence.
For now, the investigation remains active. Officials promise more information in the coming days. Until then, Alex Jeffrey Pretti’s death stands as a painful reminder of how quickly lives can end, and how deeply unanswered questions can cut into a community.
