Alex Pretti was a 37-year-old ICU nurse who was shot and killed by federal agents in Minneapolis on Saturday. The incident sparked a wave of false claims on X, the platform now owned by Elon Musk. The spread of misinformation has put a respected community member in the crosshairs of a political battle.
At a Glance
- Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, was killed by federal agents.
- X was flooded with false claims about his firing, gun, and alleged violent conduct.
- Family statements and DHS reports contradict the disinformation.
- Why it matters: The defamation of a well-regarded nurse fuels mistrust in law-enforcement narratives.
Background on Alex Pretti
Alex Pretti worked at the Department of Veterans Affairs in Minneapolis and was known for his dedication to veterans and his community. He was a lawful gun owner with no criminal record and had no history of violence.
Disinformation on X
After the shooting, X users began circulating a fabricated article from a website called BuzzReport247. The article claimed Pretti was fired three months earlier for “multiple complaints of inappropriate behavior” and that he had “perverted actions toward vulnerable individuals.” The post included a photo that was not of Pretti and had accumulated 1.2 million views.
- The article falsely stated Pretti was fired.
- It claimed he had inappropriate conduct.
- It alleged he posed a threat to vulnerable patients.
Family Statement and Truth
Pretti’s parents released a statement through CBS News. They described him as a kindhearted soul who cared deeply for family, friends, and veterans. They said he was “a good man” and that he “last thought and act was to protect a woman.” They refuted claims that he was armed or that he had a gun in his hand during the incident.
DHS and Noem Claims
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and DHS officials, including Stephen Miller, labeled Pretti a domestic terrorist who “wanted to massacre” federal agents and claimed he arrived with a gun. These allegations are contradicted by videos showing Pretti never drew a weapon. The initial DHS report on the shooting made no mention of Pretti attacking officers or pulling a gun.
Media Coverage
Fox News highlighted that Pretti did not have his ID on him at the time of the shooting, despite holding a permit. The report also noted that his gun was not properly secured, citing a new congressional report. These claims are part of a broader narrative that seeks to justify the use of lethal force against a gun owner.
Public Opinion
A YouGov poll released on the day of the shooting found 44% of Americans support abolishing ICE, with 41% opposed. The poll suggests a majority view ICE operations negatively, a sentiment that may have grown after the incident.
Political Reactions
Republicans Thom Tillis and Lisa Murkowski became the first in their party to call for Kristi Noem’s resignation following the controversy. Their statements reflect growing unease within the GOP about the narrative surrounding Pretti’s death.
Conclusion
The misinformation surrounding Alex Pretti’s death illustrates how quickly false narratives can spread on social media, especially when they align with partisan agendas. While the family and evidence contradict the allegations, the damage to Pretti’s legacy and public trust in law-enforcement narratives persists. The incident underscores the need for careful scrutiny of claims before they become accepted fact.
Key Takeaways
- Alex Pretti was a respected ICU nurse.
- Misinformation on X falsely portrayed him as a violent threat.
- Family statements and evidence refute these claims.
- Public opinion shows significant opposition to ICE.
- Political backlash is mounting against the narrative used by some officials.
