CNN Panelist Calls Alex Preti a “Perfect Man” Before Controversial Death

A co-host of “The View” and CNN panelist recently praised Alex Preti, describing him as “the perfect man” shortly before footage emerged of him kicking and spitting on a federal officer just days prior to a fatal incident.

While on CNN’s “Newsnight,” the panelist expressed that Preti was the type of person her daughter would want to date. “They killed the wrong guy, because this guy is like the perfect guy,” she stated. “Alex Preti is the kind of person you want to date your daughter, the kind of person you want your son to grow up to be—a decent human being who served humanity and cared for sick veterans.” She added, “There’s nothing negative to say about that guy, so they can’t slander him.”

Contentious Circumstances Surrounding Preti’s Death

Her comments echoed the largely favorable media sentiment regarding Preti’s death. An ICU nurse dedicated to veteran care, he was killed by Border Patrol agents on January 24 while protesting immigration enforcement. He documented the confrontation where federal agents brought him down and subsequently shot him.

Body camera footage revealed an agent removing a handgun from Preti’s waistband before the fatal shot was fired. Official sources confirm that he was a legal gun owner with a permit, which has prompted a national debate on the legitimacy of his death, with some even claiming he was murdered.

Video released on Wednesday shows Preti spitting on officers during a protest on January 13, which family members confirmed to the media. In this footage, he can be seen yelling aggressively and kicking the taillight of a federal vehicle, all while being confrontational without facing arrest.

Legal Perspective on the Incident

Steve Schleicher, an attorney for Preti’s family, noted, “A week before Alex was shot and killed, he was assaulted by a group of ICE agents, even though he posed no threat to anyone.” He argues that these prior events do not justify what happened to Preti on January 24.

As discussions around this incident continue, the community mourns him, gathering at a makeshift memorial in Minneapolis, where he was shot.