A GoFundMe campaign titled “Alex Pretti is an American Hero” has raised over $160,000 from thousands of donations as of Saturday evening, far exceeding its initial $20,000 goal. Keith Edwards organized the fundraiser following the fatal shooting of Alex Jeffrey Pretti by a Border Patrol agents during a federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis.
The campaign description states that Pretti, a Minneapolis resident and American citizen, was “executed on the streets of Minneapolis by ICE agents.” The fundraiser aims to support Pretti’s loved ones with “immediate and ongoing needs,” according to the page.
The Context
According to statements from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Pretti allegedly approached U.S. Border Patrol officers with a handgun during what officials described as a “targeted operation.” Federal agents said he resisted violently, leading an agent to open fire. Medical responders on scene attempted lifesaving measures, but he was pronounced dead shortly afterward.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara told reporters that the victim was believed to be an American citizen with no criminal history beyond traffic citations and that he legally owned a firearm. State records show Pretti had a nursing license issued in 2021, which remained active through 2026.
What To Know
The GoFundMe organizer stated that funds will not be distributed until next-of-kin can be verified and an appropriate family representative identified to manage the donations.
If funds cannot be transferred to Pretti’s family for any reason, the total amount will be directed to the Immigrant Defense Project, a nonprofit that provides litigation, advocacy, and community-defense resources to help immigrants defend their rights and fight deportation.
Pretti was an intensive care unit nurse whose state nursing license remains active. Records show he attended the University of Minnesota and worked as a “junior scientist” at the University of Minnesota Medical School starting in 2012.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed Pretti had no serious criminal history apart from parking tickets and was a “lawful gun owner” with a permit.
DHS claims Pretti approached Border Patrol officers with a 9mm semiautomatic handgun and “violently resisted” when officers attempted to disarm him, prompting defensive shots. However, bystander video obtained by the Associated Press shows at least seven officers surrounding Pretti before shots were fired, raising questions about the federal account of events.
What People Are Saying
Keith Edwards, GoFundMe Organizer: “On January 24, 2026, Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a Minneapolis resident and American citizen was executed on the streets of Minneapolis by ICE agents. This fundraiser is intended to support the loved ones he leaves behind with immediate and ongoing needs. Because details are still unfolding, and to ensure the money goes to the right person, funds will not be distributed until we can verify next-of-kin and identify the appropriate family representative to manage anything raised.”
Adding: “If, for any reason, the funds cannot be transferred to Alex’s family, we will direct the total amount to the Immigrant Defense Project, a nonprofit that provides litigation, advocacy, and community-defense resources to help immigrants defend their rights and fight deportation.”
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz wrote on X: “I told the White House the state must lead the investigation. Let state investigators secure justice. As we process the scene, stay peaceful and give them space. The State has the personnel to keep people safe – federal agents must not obstruct our ability to do so.”
Dr. Dimitri Drekonja, Pretti’s colleague, wrote on Bluesky: “Alex Pretti was a colleague at the VA. We hired him to recruit for our trial. He became an ICU nurse- I loved working with him. He was a good kind person who lived to help and these f****** executed him. White. Hot. Rage.”
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey during a press conference on Saturday, in part: “How many times must local and national leaders must plead with you, Donald Trump, to end this operation and recognize that this is not creating safety in our city…We have seen these kinds of operations in other places, in other countries, but not here in America. Not in a way where a great American city is being invaded by its own federal government. I’m done being told that our community members are responsible for the vitriol in our streets. I’m done being told our local elected officials are solely responsible for turning down the temperature.”
What Happens Next
The fundraiser continues to receive donations as details about the shooting remain under investigation.