Alex Pretti’s ex-wife unexpectedly spoke out amidst the heated controversy, saying nine words that shook the nation

Alex Pretti — who was fatally shot by federal officers in Minneapolis on Jan. 24 — was the son of Michael and Susan Pretti.

At around 9 a.m. that day, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) law enforcement officers “were conducting a targeted operation in Minneapolis against an illegal alien wanted for violent assault,” according to DHS assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin. Moments later, officers fatally shot Alex, a 37-year-old ICU nurse. In a statement posted on X, DHS claimed an individual “approached U.S. Border Patrol officers with a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun” and “violently resisted” as they attempted to disarm him, prompting an agent to “fire defensive shots.”

Footage verified by The New York Times, however, appears to contradict that account. In the video, Alex is seen standing among a group of protesters with both hands visible, holding his phone, as an agent sprays pepper spray at the crowd.

Several agents then moved in on Alex, who did not appear to be holding or reaching for a weapon as he was pinned on the sidewalk. According to The New York Times, his gun appeared to have already been unholstered by an agent before he was shot in the back. He was struck by at least 10 gunshots fired within five seconds.

Alex’s parents, Michael and Susan, learned of the shooting from an Associated Press reporter, according to the outlet. They then confirmed his death with the Hennepin County Medical Examiner.

“We are heartbroken but also very angry,” the family wrote in a statement obtained by CNN. “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.”

Here’s everything to know about Alex Pretti’s family, including his parents, sister and ex-wife.

His parents live in Colorado

Alex Pretti.US Department of Veteran Affairs

Michael and Susan raised Alex in Green Bay, Wis., where their son was active in multiple sports at Preble High School, competing in football, baseball and track. He was also a Boy Scout and a member of the Green Bay Boy Choir, according to the Associated Press.

His parents now live in Colorado, per the outlet.

A picture sits at a memorial to Alex Pretti on January 25, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.Scott Olson/Getty

Michael and Susan are parents to two children: Alex and a daughter, whose name has not been publicly disclosed.

Alex’s sister has not made a public statement about his death. However, when a reporter from The Minnesota Star Tribune reached out to her, she became emotional before ending the call.

He was previously married

A sign for 37-year-old Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot by a U.S. Border Patrol officer earlier in the day, is displayed during a vigil on Jan. 24, 2026, in Minneapolis.Adam Gray/AP Photo

Alex was formerly married, according to the Associated Press. His ex-wife, who didn’t want to share her name publicly, hadn’t spoken to him since they divorced more than two years ago and she moved out of Minnesota.

After Alex’s death, his ex-wife said she was not surprised by reports that he had been present at demonstrations tied to President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. Alex had taken part in protests after the 2020 killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer, which occurred near where the couple once lived, she said.

While she recalled that Alex could be outspoken toward police during protests, she emphasized that she never considered him physically aggressive. She also said he obtained a permit to carry a concealed firearm roughly three years ago and owned at least one semiautomatic handgun at the time of their separation.

Alex’s parents released a statement following his death

Federal agents fire tear gas during a demonstration following the shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, United States, on January 24, 2026.Arthur Maiorella/Anadolu via Getty

In the aftermath of Alex’s death, Michael and Susan issued a statement expressing both grief and anger, while pushing back against claims from Trump administration officials, including White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, who labeled their son a “domestic terrorist,” per NBC News.

“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,” the statement read. “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.”

The family ended their message with a plea for accountability and accuracy: “Please get the truth out about our son. He was a good man. Thank you.”

Michael and Susan last spoke to Alex two days before his death

A view of a makeshift memorial in the area where Alex Pretti was shot dead a day earlier by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on January 25, 2026.Octavio JONES / AFP via Getty

Alex’s last conversation with his parents took place about two days before his death, per the outlet. During the call, they discussed recent work he had done on his garage door, including a repair completed by a Latino worker whom Alex tipped $100 amid heightened tensions in Minneapolis.

Michael and Susan were aware that their son planned to attend protests in the city and said they urged him to stay cautious.

“We had this discussion with him two weeks ago or so, you know, that go ahead and protest, but do not engage, do not do anything stupid, basically,” Michael told the Associated Press. “And he said he knows that. He knew that.”