1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

I am writing as a concerned constituent to express deep alarm regarding the fatal shooting of Alex Jeffrey Pretti by federal law enforcement agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota on January 24, 2026. Alex Pretti was a 37-year-old intensive care nurse and U.S. citizen who served veterans and cared for his community. Reports indicate he was killed during an immigration enforcement operation, and the circumstances surrounding his death have raised serious questions about the actions of federal agencies and the protection of civil liberties. Publicly available video footage and eyewitness accounts appear to show Mr. Pretti filming federal agents and trying to assist others near the scene when he was engaged by multiple officers. Some accounts and legal testimonies assert that he was unarmed, holding only a phone, at the time of fatal gunfire. These reports stand in contrast to initial statements by federal officials. The lack of clarity and conflicting narratives have intensified public concern over whether excessive force was used. Beyond the specifics of this case, there is growing alarm about broader federal operations that have placed heavily armed immigration agents in American cities without clear accountability or sufficient oversight. The shooting of Mr. Pretti follows another fatal shooting of a Minneapolis resident earlier in January, further eroding trust between local communities and federal law enforcement. I respectfully urge you to consider taking the following actions: Support a full, transparent, and independent federal investigation into the circumstances of Mr. Pretti’s death and the conduct of all law enforcement personnel involved. Advocate for clear standards and oversight mechanisms governing federal law enforcement operations in domestic communities to ensure the safety of residents and the protection of civil rights. Encourage reforms that strengthen accountability and require community-based reporting and review when lethal force is used, especially in cases that do not involve imminent threats to life. Press for a de-escalation of aggressive federal enforcement actions that have not been shown to improve public safety and which have instead generated fear, distrust, and conflict. As a nation, we must uphold the rule of law, protect the rights of individuals, and ensure that every person, especially those who devote their lives to serving others, is treated with dignity and justice. The tragic loss of Mr. Pretti has deeply affected many communities and underscores the urgent need for meaningful oversight and reform. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I look forward to your response and to hearing what steps you will take to ensure accountability, transparency, and justice in this case.