Durham VA Hosts Vigil for Alex Pretti Amid New Minneapolis Shooting Video Release
On Wednesday, residents of Durham, North Carolina, gathered outside the Durham Veterans Affairs for a vigil in memory of Alex Pretti. Pretti, a 37-year-old VA nurse, was fatally shot by Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis. This tragic event has sparked significant public attention and concern regarding immigration enforcement practices.
Vigil in Honor of Alex Pretti
Hosted by the North Carolina chapter of National Nurses United, the vigil attracted over 100 attendees who came to pay tribute to Pretti’s life. One speaker emphasized the importance of believing those who witness such incidents, stating, “Alex, we are here today because we believe our eyes.”
Former Navy nurse Bernadine Donato expressed her grief, describing the killing as “horrifying.” With 40 years of nursing experience, she lamented, “We don’t go out to help people expecting to be executed for it.”
Details Surrounding the Shooting
Pretti was shot on a Saturday during protests against immigration enforcement outside a donut shop in Minneapolis. New footage of Pretti emerged just as the vigil was taking place. In the clip, he is seen provoking federal agents by spitting on their SUV and then damaging it. This behavior prompted agents to subdue him, leading to the tragic confrontation.
The Department of Homeland Security later placed two of the agents involved in Pretti’s shooting on administrative leave while investigations continued. The family of Pretti has expressed anger at how immigration officials characterized him following his death.
Public Response and Legislative Reactions
- Residents of Durham protested against ICE in response to previous incidents, notably the killing of another individual, Renee Good.
- Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) criticized the evaluations made by government officials post-incident, claiming they did not reflect American standards.
- Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) also condemned the actions of DHS Secretary Noem, asserting that her statements about Pretti were damaging.
In the wake of Pretti’s death, the characterizations made by DHS Secretary Noem and White House officials labeled him as a “domestic terrorist” and an “assassin.” These remarks have led to significant backlash from lawmakers and civil rights advocates.
Changes in Immigration Enforcement Leadership
As a result of growing criticism surrounding the handling of immigration enforcement, Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino was reassigned. His remarks about Pretti allegedly planning to harm law enforcement officials drew condemnation, fueling public outrage.
Many hope that the events surrounding Alex Pretti’s death will catalyze meaningful changes in immigration enforcement practices. During the vigil, local nurse Anne Phillips remarked, “This is not the way to enforce.”
The situation surrounding Alex Pretti continues to evolve, with public sentiment demanding accountability and reform in immigration and law enforcement practices.
