Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama are speaking out following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis, calling the incident a tragedy and urging accountability.
In a statement shared publicly on Sunday (Jan. 25), the Obamas said the killing of Pretti should serve as a “wake-up call” for the nation.
“The killing of Alex Pretti is a heartbreaking tragedy,” Obama wrote. “It should also be a wake-up call to every American, regardless of party, that many of our core values as a nation are increasingly under assault.”
The former president went on to criticize what he described as aggressive federal enforcement tactics in Minnesota, saying Americans expect law enforcement to carry out their duties lawfully and in cooperation with state and local officials, not in ways that intimidate or endanger communities.
“That’s not what we’re seeing in Minnesota,” the statement continued. “In fact, we’re seeing the opposite.”
Obama referenced masked federal agents and immigration officers operating with what he called impunity, noting that such actions have fueled outrage nationwide and now resulted in the deaths of two U.S. citizens in recent weeks.
“This has to stop,” Obama added, urging the current administration to reconsider its approach and work with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, and local law enforcement to restore order and accountability.
The former president also encouraged Americans to support peaceful protests taking place across the country, calling them a reminder of citizens’ responsibility to stand up against injustice and hold leaders accountable.
The victim in the latest shooting has been identified as Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old Minneapolis resident and U.S. citizen. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed that Pretti had no violent criminal history, only minor traffic violations, and possessed a valid permit to carry a firearm.
Pretti worked as an ICU nurse at the Veterans Affairs hospital system. Following his death, the American Nurses Association released a statement condemning the violence and calling for transparency.
“ANA condemns violence in our communities,” the organization said. “The seriousness of this incident and others demand transparency and accountability. ANA calls for a full, unencumbered investigation, and urges that findings be shared promptly and clearly so Alex’s loved ones and the public have answers.”
The shooting comes just weeks after another fatal incident involving federal agents in Minneapolis, where a woman named Renee Good was also killed during a separate enforcement action.
