Trump Labels Slain Nurse Alex Pretti an ‘Agitator’ Again

Former President Donald Trump has called Alex Pretti, a nurse fatally shot by federal agents in Minneapolis, an “agitator” and “possibly an insurrectionist.” This remark reflects the administration’s tendency to blame victims in similar incidents. Trump’s comments came following the emergence of videos depicting Pretti’s confrontational behavior at a protest prior to his death.

Incident Overview

Alex Pretti was one of two Americans killed by federal agents in Minneapolis earlier this month. He was shot on January 24, following an altercation during a protest that occurred 11 days earlier on January 13.

Videos and Claims

Footage from the January 13 protest shows Pretti spitting and cursing at agents, as well as damaging their vehicles. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated: “Agitator and, perhaps, insurrectionist, Alex Pretti’s stock has gone way down with the just released video of him screaming and spitting in the face of a very calm and under control ICE Officer.”

Family Reactions

Pretti’s family has strongly condemned Trump’s statements, labeling them as false. They insist Pretti was a dedicated nurse who provided care at the Veterans Affairs hospital in Minneapolis. They also emphasize his peaceful intentions during the protests.

Legal Context

During the protest when he was shot, Pretti was carrying a firearm. However, Minnesota law permits the carrying of firearms in such settings. Preliminary evidence suggests he did not use the weapon against law enforcement.

Statements from Legal Representatives

Steve Schleicher, the attorney representing Pretti’s family, highlighted the inconsistencies in federal claims. He stated, “A week before Alex was gunned down in the street — despite posing no threat to anyone — he was violently assaulted.” Schleicher argued that prior events should not justify the lethal response by agents.

Government Accountability

The Trump administration has faced severe criticism related to its actions in Minnesota. The crackdown on immigration enforcement has resulted in significant backlash, particularly following Pretti’s death and the killing of another individual, Renee Good, earlier in January.

Administrative Reactions

While Trump declared Pretti’s death as “unfortunate,” he implied culpability on Pretti’s part, indicating that carrying firearms at protests was inherently risky. Tom Homan, appointed by Trump to oversee the operations in Minnesota, acknowledged that adjustments to the approach were necessary.

As the situation continues to unfold, questions remain about the justification of the federal agents’ actions and the narratives surrounding the victims.