Following the fatal shooting of VA nurse Alex Pretti by federal agents, claims have started to circulate online on his background. Contrary to the viral theories that Pretti was fired from his job as an ICU nurse, he was not terminated from his job for misconduct.
Pretti died from his injuries in Minneapolis after being shot by border patrol agents who have grown in presence in Minnesota. While federal authorities have claimed self-defence to justify the shooting of Pretti, video footage taken by those present in the area suggest otherwise. Following Pretti's death, claims have circulated online that he was fired from his previous post for misconduct.
The Root of the Claims
The claims stem from a supposed news site called buzzreport247, citing a Dr Elena Vasquez, who is allegedly associated with the Lakeshore Medical Centre where Pretti was a former employee. The report claimed that Pretti allegedly indulged in 'inappropriate behaviour' with several patients in his care, with the centre receiving multiple complaints from patients.
It even cited supposed quotes from Dr Vasquez, alleging that Pretti was terminated from his job in October 2025 after an internal review, citing 'five documented incidents of inappropriate behaviour'.
False Information
The claim made by the supposed news site is not true. Pretti has never worked at and was never associated with the Lakeshore Medical Centre as he was working for the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System. There is also no Dr Elena Vasquez associated with the Lakeshore Medical Center.
Pretti was a registered nurse and worked at the ICU unit of the VA Health Care System in Minneapolis. He received his nursing licence in January 2021 after studying nursing at the University of Minnesota. Pretti also reportedly transitioned from nursing school and research assistance at the university, where he briefly worked as a research assistant before entering his VA post the same year he obtained his nursing license.
While at the VA, Pretti cared for critically ill veterans, and colleagues have described him as a 'dedicated' ICU nurse who had been working for the VA for five years. Court records have also shown that Pretti had no criminal history and never had any interactions with law enforcement except for a few traffic tickets.
Alex Pretti's Family Speaks Out Against Misinformation
Pretti's death also comes just a few weeks after ICE agent Jonathan Ross fatally shot Renee Good in Minneapolis, which sparked protests in the state against the federal officers. Good's and Pretti's deaths were 17 days apart.
Shortly after Pretti's death, his family issued a statement criticising both the spread of misinformation about him as well as the Trump administration. 'We are heartbroken but also very angry,' the statement began. 'Alex was a kind-hearted 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.'
'I do not throw around the hero term lightly. However, his last thought and act was to protect a woman,' the statement continued. '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. He has his phone in his right hand and his empty hand is raised above his head while trying to protect the woman ICE just pushed down all while being pepper sprayed.'
Renee Good's Family Also Speaks Out
The family of Renee Good has also spoken out following Pretti's death. In a statement released through their attorneys, they called on everyone to 'trust their own eyes' while also calling for an end to ICE and Border Patrol presence in the state.
'The events of this weekend in Minneapolis are terrifying, deeply disturbing, and heart-breaking – with yet another US citizen losing their life while taking part in the time-honoured and constitutionally-protected activity of being present to observe and peacefully advocate for their beliefs,' said the family in the statement. 'We urge all Americans to trust their own eyes as they interpret the horrific video, and to call for an absolute end to ICE activity in Minneapolis.'
'It has clearly gone too far and strayed far beyond its stated mission of removing criminal non-citizens from the country. It is time for a hard reset,' the family continued. 'ICE agents can leave Minneapolis. The residents of Minnesota cannot.'
