What Alex Pretti’s fellow nurses saw in the footage of his Minneapolis killing.

The question, “Are you OK?” was reportedly the last thing 37-year-old Alex Pretti said before being fatally shot by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis. The incident, captured on video, unfolded after Pretti inquired about the well-being of a woman who had been shoved into the snow by ICE agents. Moments later, he was tackled, his legally carried firearm was removed, and he was shot and killed by federal agents.

A Life Dedicated to Care

Those who knew Alex Pretti describe him as a deeply caring individual. He worked as an intensive care unit nurse at a Veterans Affairs hospital in Minneapolis. Friends, family, colleagues, and even former patients’ families have attested to his kindness and dedication. His family stated he was a “kindhearted soul” who cared deeply for his loved ones and the veterans under his care.

A Shift in Men’s Roles

Pretti’s death comes amid a significant shift in societal expectations of men and caregiving. Over the past half-century, men have increasingly taken on roles involving hands-on and emotional care. Currently, men comprise approximately 40 percent of family caregivers, according to research from AARP. The proportion of male nurses has also risen, now standing at 13 percent, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Kyle Kerley, a nurse at the James Cancer Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, watched the video of Pretti’s shooting. Having attended anti-ICE rallies, Kerley was struck by Pretti’s calm demeanor throughout the escalating encounter, recognizing it as a trait common among skilled nurses—a willingness to intervene and protect others.

Finding Purpose in Caregiving

A 2021 report from New America highlighted that men in professional caregiving roles often experience a strong sense of purpose and meaning in their work. Despite sometimes facing cultural biases or jokes about men in traditionally “feminine” professions, they express pride in their contributions and would recommend such careers to younger men. Many view their work as transcending gender roles.

Dennis Kosuth, a nurse for Chicago Public Schools and Cook County Hospital, was protesting ICE and the killing of Renee Good in Minneapolis when he learned of Pretti’s death. He emphasized that Cook County Hospital admits patients regardless of citizenship status, making the situation in Minneapolis a direct concern for nurses who aim to prevent harm.

The Value of Connection

Research suggests that engaging in caregiving can combat feelings of isolation and disconnection. A 2024 report from the American Institute for Boys and Men found that while both men and women have experienced similar increases in time spent alone, men are more likely to feel they lack a meaningful place in the world. Caregiving, however, appears to foster a sense of purpose and self-worth, with AARP research indicating that 82 percent of caregivers feel it gives their lives meaning and 81 percent feel good about themselves.

Even before learning Pretti was a nurse, Kosuth observed from the circulating videos that Pretti was not someone intent on causing “maximum harm,” as the Department of Homeland Security contended. He described Pretti as a “helper,” contrasting his actions with a system that he believes causes harm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Alex Pretti’s profession?

Alex Pretti was an intensive care unit nurse at a Veterans Affairs hospital in Minneapolis.

What percentage of nurses are male, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 13 percent of nurses are male.

What did Pretti’s family say about him?

Pretti’s family described him as a “kindhearted soul” who cared deeply for his family, friends, and the American veterans he cared for.

What does it mean to prioritize care and compassion in a society increasingly focused on enforcement and control?