The call for transparency intensifies as the parents of Alex Pretti, a U.S. citizen and ICU nurse who lost his life due to gunfire from federal immigration officers in Minneapolis, press the Justice Department for the release of evidence surrounding his death. Michael and Susan Pretti expressed their frustration during a recent press conference, revealing that they have been left without answers for nearly nine months since their son was killed.
For 275 days, the Prettis have sought basic information, including the names of the officers involved, but feel their pleas have been consistently ignored by federal authorities. “At every turn, they have ignored us, misled us and shielded Alex’s killers,” said Michael Pretti, articulating the family’s deep sense of betrayal. Susan Pretti added, “We are here begging for the Department of Justice to do what is right.”
The Department of Justice has responded by indicating that communication with victims’ families typically occurs later in an investigation. Kiersten Pels, a DOJ spokesperson, clarified that updates are usually provided during significant stages of a case, such as trial or sentencing.
This situation has escalated amid ongoing tensions regarding federal investigations into several shootings involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. Recently, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty criticized federal officials for halting the information-sharing process, which she claims obstructs local investigations into the incidents, including Pretti’s death.
Both the Pretti family and local officials have voiced their concerns about the federal government’s lack of cooperation. “This is not normal. This is not justice. It is morally wrong,” Michael Pretti stated, emphasizing the urgency for accountability. The family has taken legal action to secure access to evidence under the Crime Victims Rights Act, highlighting their right to information regarding the circumstances of their son’s death.
As the Prettis continue their fight for justice, they remain steadfast in their demand for full transparency. Videos contradicting the federal government’s narrative of the shooting have only deepened their resolve to clear their son’s name, as they confront the painful reality that has overshadowed their lives since that tragic day.
Photo credit: Ellen Schmidt
