VA doctor remembers Alex Pretti, ICU nurse killed in federal operation

A VA physician said Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse reportedly killed by federal officers in Minneapolis, was kind and highly skilled.

Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse who worked at a VA Medical Center, was shot and killed during a federal law enforcement operation in Minneapolis on Jan. 24, according to reports. A VA infectious disease physician who worked with Pretti described him as kind, energetic and a very skilled nurse who often helped colleagues. DHS assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin told PEOPLE that DHS law enforcement officers were conducting a targeted operation and that an officer fired defensive shots after saying Pretti approached Border Patrol officers with a handgun and resisted. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara said public video shows officers in a scuffle and noted that Pretti was a lawful gun owner with a permit. Known details: - Colleagues at the VA described Pretti as kind, helpful, and skilled, and said he had been a registered nurse since January 2021. - DHS said officers were conducting a targeted operation in Minneapolis and reported that an agent fired defensive shots after saying the subject approached officers armed and resisted. - Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara referenced public video showing a scuffle and said Pretti had a permit and limited prior contact with police. - Medics on scene delivered aid but Pretti was pronounced dead at the scene, and several hundred protesters gathered near the area, leading to confrontations with federal law enforcement. Summary: Colleagues and supervisors at the VA emphasized Pretti's reputation as a helpful and skilled nurse and described his death as deeply upsetting to staff. Officials have provided differing descriptions of the incident and public footage was cited by Minneapolis police. Undetermined at this time.