Poppy Bilderbeck
Alex Pretti's sister, Micayla, has paid tribute to her 'hero' brother who was fatally shot by federal immigration agents, as well as appealing to those in power to prevent more 'innocent lives being lost'.
On January 24, federal immigration agents fatally shot Pretti in the streets of Minneapolis.
The Department of Homeland Security said the federal agent shot the 37-year-old intensive care nurse in an act of self-defense, claiming Pretti had a handgun at the time. However, footage around the time of the incident shows Pretti holding not a gun, but a mobile phone.
Eye witness accounts also contradict officials' claims.
Advert
Pretti's sister, Micayla, has since released a statement, remembering her 'kind' and 'generous' brother, but also posing two poignant questions.
She said, as shared by CBS News: "Alex was kind, generous, and had a way of lighting up every room he walked into.
"He was incredibly intelligent and deeply passionate, and he made people feel safe. But most importantly, he was my brother. I had the privilege of being his little sister for 32 years."
She continued: "I will never be able to hug him, laugh with him, or cry to him again because of those thugs — and that is a pain no words can fully capture."
Micayla reflected on her brother's desire to 'make a different in this world' and how 'devastating' it is he 'won't be here to witness the impact he was making'.
"Through his work at the VA caring for the sickest patients, and passion to advance cancer research, he touched more lives than he probably ever realized. All Alex ever wanted was to help someone — anyone. Even in his very last moments on this earth, he was simply trying to do just that," she added.
Alongside thanking everyone who's supported their family and paid tribute to her 'hero' brother, Micayla posed two significant questions.
They read: "When does this end? How many more innocent lives must be lost before we say enough?"
Micayla's statement resolved: "Hearing disgusting lies spread about my brother is absolutely gut-wrenching, and my family is deeply grateful so many people have stood up and helped tell his truth. He would be very proud."
Her comments follow Pretti's family releasing a joint statement about their heartbreak but also anger.
The family said: "We are heartbroken but also very angry. Alex was a kindhearted soul who cared deeply for his family and friends and also the American veterans whom he cared for as an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital. Alex wanted to make a difference in this world. Unfortunately, he will not be with us to see his impact. I do not throw around the hero term lightly. However, his last thought and act was to protect a woman.
"The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting. Alex is clearly not holding a gun when attacked by Trump’s murdering and cowardly ICE thugs. He has his phone in his right hand and his empty left hand is raised above his head while trying to protect the woman ICE just pushed down, all while being pepper-sprayed.
"Please get the truth out about our son. He was a good man. Thank you."