When the physician asked if Pretti had a pulse, agents reportedly admitted they were unsure. After identifying themselves as a doctor and offering assistance, the physician was initially asked to show credentials and even briefly searched before being allowed to approach.
Once allowed in, the doctor requested that Pretti be carefully turned onto his back to properly assess his condition. More injuries were revealed, and after checking for vital signs, the physician confirmed that Pretti had no pulse.
CPR was performed immediately and continued until emergency medical personnel arrived. Shortly afterward, the doctor was forced to leave the scene due to crowd-control measures, including tear gas that drifted into nearby streets and homes. The physician described feeling shaken and emotionally distressed, uncertain about returning home safely.
Pretti’s death struck a deep chord in Minneapolis and beyond. As an ICU nurse at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, he was remembered as compassionate and devoted to patient care.
Family and friends highlighted his commitment to social and environmental causes and his participation in lawful protests. Federal authorities maintain that Pretti was armed at the time of the shooting, and the incident remains under investigation.
The doctor’s account has intensified conversations about emergency response, public safety, and accountability during enforcement operations. For many, it underscores the critical need for clear protocols and transparent investigation into the events that led to the loss of a life in such shocking circumstances.
Join the conversation and share your thoughts on accountability and public safety in federal operations—Pretti’s story reminds us why transparency matters.