When federal immigration agents shot and killed Alex Pretti during an enforcement operation in Minneapolis, an unexpected civilian witness stepped forward to help: a 29-year-old pediatrician who lived nearby. Awakened by loud noises outside their apartment, the doctor rushed to the scene after realizing someone had been seriously injured. Their account, later included in federal court filings, provides one of the most detailed civilian perspectives of what happened immediately after the shooting and has raised questions about how the situation was handled in its earliest moments.
According to the sworn statement, the doctor observed Pretti lying on his side on the pavement, surrounded by several agents. Drawing on medical training, the physician said the positioning stood out as unusual for someone who had suffered gunshot injuries. They also noted that no one appeared to be providing immediate medical care. When the doctor asked whether Pretti had a pulse, agents reportedly said they were unsure. After identifying themselves as a physician and requesting permission to help, the doctor was initially asked to show credentials. Only after insisting was the doctor briefly searched and allowed to assess the injured man.
Once able to reach Pretti, the doctor asked that he be turned onto his back to properly evaluate his condition. At that point, additional injuries became visible. The physician checked for a pulse, found none, and began CPR until emergency medical responders arrived and took over care. Shortly afterward, the doctor left the immediate area due to crowd control measures, including tear gas, which eventually spread into nearby residences. In their statement, the physician described being deeply shaken by the experience, saying it left them emotionally distressed and uncertain about feeling safe returning home.
The shooting quickly drew national attention, especially after Pretti was identified by family members as a U.S. citizen and an intensive care unit nurse at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs hospital. Colleagues described him as compassionate, dedicated, and deeply committed to helping others. Outside of his medical career, Pretti was known to care strongly about environmental and social issues and had previously participated in lawful protests. Authorities have stated that he was armed at the time of the incident, and federal officials say the situation remains under investigation. As community members continue to gather at memorials and officials review evidence, the case has sparked broader conversations about public safety, protest activity, and the conduct of enforcement operations, with many questions still awaiting clear answers.