Family of Nurse Shot During Protest Responds to Claims

The sister of Alex Preti, an ICU nurse who lost his life during an anti-ICE protest in Minnesota, has condemned what she describes as “abhorrent lies” regarding her brother. Some reports have branded him a “domestic terrorist.”

Mikayla Preti, 32, called her brother a “hero” in a heartfelt statement shared on social media. She reflected on his character, saying, “Alex was kind and generous and lit up every room he entered. He was incredibly intelligent, very passionate, and made people feel at ease.” It’s striking, really, how she emphasizes his warmth.

“But most importantly, he was my brother,” Mikayla continued. “I had the privilege of being his sister for 32 years. Because of those thugs, I will never be able to hold him, laugh with him, cry to him again. It hurts beyond words.” That’s a sentiment that really resonates; losing someone so close is unimaginable.

Preti, 37, was shot by a Border Patrol agent during a confrontation related to the arrest of an undocumented immigrant in south Minneapolis on Saturday. Footage appears to show him filming the scene when tensions escalated, and federal agents began pushing protesters. Suddenly, chaos erupted.

Mikayla stated that her brother was fully legal, possessing a Sig Sauer P320 at the time, and had no prior criminal record. Witnesses claim he simply wanted to assist someone during the incident.

As things became heated and one of the women involved fell, Alex reportedly stepped in to help. “All he wanted was to help someone, anyone. Even in his last moments on earth, that’s all he was going to do,” she said.

The investigation by the Department of Homeland Security is ongoing, particularly looking into whether a supposed accidental discharge from Preti’s weapon triggered the gunfire from agents. Officials had claimed he intended to inflict harm, which has angered Mikayla.

She expressed frustration over the narrative being spun about her brother. “When will this end? How many more innocent lives must be lost before enough is said?” she asked. “It’s heartbreaking to hear the disgusting lies being spread about my brother. My family is deeply grateful that so many people stood up and helped tell the truth about my brother. He would be so proud,” she shared.