In the wake of the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, the 37-year-old Minneapolis ICU nurse, members of his family have stepped forward to provide insight into his personality, habits, and beliefs. Among them, Pretti’s ex‑wife offered a perspective on who he was, his involvement in political activism, and his status as a legally permitted firearm owner. Her comments help clarify aspects of Pretti’s life that have become central to the public conversation following the incident.
Pretti’s ex‑wife, who spoke to reporters but requested anonymity, described him as principled, civic-minded, and nonviolent. She had not spoken to him for more than two years following their divorce, and she no longer lived in Minnesota, which limited her direct knowledge of his activities in the period immediately preceding the confrontation. Despite the time that had passed, she shared details that illustrated the kind of person Pretti was and the lawful measures he had taken in his personal life.
She stated that she was not surprised by his involvement in protests, particularly demonstrations concerning immigration enforcement. Pretti had previously participated in civic actions following the high-profile death of George Floyd in 2020, and she acknowledged that he was politically engaged and a Democratic voter. However, she emphasized that, to her knowledge, he had never been physically confrontational in these settings. While he could be vocal about issues he cared about, she described him as someone who expressed his beliefs through speech and protest rather than aggression.
A major focus of her remarks concerned Pretti’s firearm ownership and his legal permit. She confirmed that he had obtained a concealed-carry permit approximately three years before his death. At the time of their separation, he owned at least one semiautomatic handgun. She stressed that owning a firearm was a lawful act, and there was no indication that he was prone to use it recklessly. According to her, he rarely carried his weapon in daily life, and it did not define his personality. His firearm ownership was a part of responsible, legal behavior rather than a signal of violent intent.
Her statements also offered context regarding their divorce. They had ended their marriage over two years prior, and she had moved to another state. While she maintained no regular contact with Pretti in recent years, she was able to draw upon their shared history to characterize his values, behaviors, and decision-making. She underscored that her perspective was grounded in her long-term familiarity with him and did not include direct observation of the events leading up to his death.
Throughout her comments, she portrayed Pretti as principled, caring, and community-minded. His career as an intensive-care nurse reflected this characterization, highlighting a professional commitment to the well-being of others. She noted that he was often motivated by a sense of duty and justice, both in his work and in his civic engagement. Family members echoed this sentiment, describing him as compassionate and thoughtful, someone who acted responsibly and with a strong sense of ethics.
Pretti’s ex‑wife made clear that she did not witness or participate in the events that led to his death and that she was speaking only to provide context about his character. She described him as law-abiding, nonviolent, and committed to civic engagement, and she emphasized that his firearm permit and ownership should be understood in that framework. Her account offered a counterpoint to narratives that painted him as aggressive or threatening, stressing instead a portrait of someone who exercised his rights responsibly and lived according to his principles.
In the broader conversation surrounding Pretti’s death, her comments have provided clarity about who he was beyond the circumstances of the fatal encounter. They underscore the distinction between his personal character and the tragic event itself. While law enforcement investigations continue to examine the details of the incident, her insights help ensure that public understanding reflects the whole person — a man dedicated to his work, his community, and his beliefs.
Her reflections also highlight the value of personal testimony in shaping the public record. By sharing her perspective, Pretti’s ex‑wife contributed to a more nuanced understanding of his life, emphasizing that his engagement in protests and his firearm ownership were consistent with a lawful, conscientious, and measured approach to civic participation. In a time of intense scrutiny and public debate, her words provide a necessary human context to the events that shocked Minneapolis and drew national attention.
In sum, Pretti’s ex‑wife offered a portrayal of a man guided by principle, careful with his actions, and committed to his community. Her statements underscore that while the incident that claimed his life was tragic, understanding the person behind the headlines is essential. Through her recollections, a fuller picture of Alex Pretti emerges: a dedicated professional, a responsible gun owner, and an individual motivated by justice and civic engagement.
James Jenkins is a celebrated Pulitzer Prize-winning author whose work has reshaped the way readers think about social justice and human rights in America. Raised in Atlanta, Georgia, James grew up in a community that instilled in him both resilience and a strong sense of responsibility toward others. After studying political science and creative writing at Howard University, he worked as a journalist covering civil rights issues before dedicating himself fully to fiction. His novels are known for their sharp, empathetic portraits of marginalized communities and for weaving personal stories with broader political realities. Jenkins’s breakout novel, Shadows of Freedom, won national acclaim for its unflinching look at systemic inequality, while his more recent works explore themes of identity, resilience, and the fight for dignity in the face of oppression. Beyond his novels, James is an active public speaker, lecturing at universities and participating in nonprofit initiatives that support literacy and community empowerment. He believes that storytelling is a way to preserve history and inspire change. When not writing, James enjoys jazz music, mentoring young writers, and traveling with his family to explore cultures and stories around the world.
