Alex Pretti Bio 2026: Age, Height, Wife, Net Worth & Truth Behind the Minneapolis Nurse the FBI Shot
Alex Jeffrey Pretti was a 37 years 4 months old registered ICU nurse and U.S. Army veteran whose name rocketed into national headlines on 24 January 2026 when he was fatally shot by a federal Border Patrol agent while live-streaming and directing traffic at an immigration-enforcement protest in Minneapolis. His death—captured on multiple by-stander videos—sparked nationwide vigils, renewed calls to abolish ICE, and became a flash-point in the 2026 U.S. immigration debate.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Alex Jeffrey Pretti |
| Nick Name | “Al” |
| Profession | Registered Nurse (ICU), U.S. Army veteran, research scientist |
| Birth Date | 1988-09-14 |
| Age | 37 years 4 months old |
| Birth Place | Illinois, USA |
| Nationality | U.S. citizen |
| Known For | ICU veteran care; 2026 Minneapolis police-involved shooting |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo (est.) |
| Height & Weight | ≈ 5 ft 10 in (178 cm); 175 lb (79 kg) (est.) |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Qualification | B.S. Biology, Society & Environment (Univ. of Minnesota 2011); nursing degree |
| Religion | Not disclosed |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Spouse | Rachel N. Canoun (divorced >2 yrs) |
| Children | None |
| Parents | Michael & Susan Pretti |
| Siblings | One sister (lives in Wisconsin) |
| Hobbies | Backpacking, performing-arts, live-streaming protests, dog-parent to Catahoula “Joule” |
| Years Active | 2011 – 2026 |
| Net Worth | ≈ $120 k (est. estate) |
Early Life & Education
Alex grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he sang in the Green Bay Boy Choir, acted with the Preble Players Theatre, played football, baseball and ran track at Preble High School, graduating in 2006. Friends recall a “normal, fun kid” who loved the outdoors and theatre. He earned a B.S. in Biology, Society & Environment from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities in 2011, then pivoted to nursing school after working as a VA research scientist.
Career Journey
Research Scientist (2011–2015)
- Conducted medical research at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center, focusing on veteran respiratory care.
Registered Nurse – ICU (2015–2026)
- Joined the ICU staff at the same VA hospital, praised by co-workers for calm under pressure and advocacy for patient dignity.
- 2020 – Deployed to COVID-19 surge units; received unit commendation for 60-hour weeks during peak pandemic waves.
Community Activism (2020–2026)
- Regular live-streamed presence at George-Floyd-related protests; joined immigration-rights rallies after the ICE killing of Renee Good (7 Jan 2026).
Career Stats (Select)
| Year | Milestone | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | B.S. degree | University of Minnesota |
| 2015 | RN licence | Minnesota Board of Nursing |
| 2020 | COVID surge | ICU frontline |
| 2022 | ACLS cert | Advanced Cardiac Life Support |
| 2026 | Final protest | Live-streaming ICE operation |
Personal Life
Alex married fellow Minnesota graduate Rachel N. Canoun; the pair amicably divorced more than two years before his death. He lived in the Seward neighborhood of Minneapolis with his Catahoula Leopard dog “Joule,” who passed away shortly before Alex. Family say he was an avid backpacker, vegan foodie and weekend open-mic guitarist.
Dating History / Affairs
No public relationships post-divorce; friends describe him as focused on nursing, veterans and activism.
Controversies
The only controversy surrounds the circumstances of his death. Federal agents claim Pretti was armed and “attempting to kill law-enforcement” while by-stander video and court filings show him holding only a phone and shielding a pepper-sprayed woman when agents tackled and shot him more than ten times in five seconds. His family vehemently denies government narratives, stating he owned a legal handgun but never carried it to protests.
Alex Pretti Video
Awards & Achievements
- 2020 – VA ICU “Rookie of the Year” peer award
- 2022 – Minnesota Nurses Association merit recognition for COVID response
- 2024 – Nominated for Daisy Award (extraordinary nurse)
Physical Statistics
- Height: ≈ 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) (est. from yearbook proportions)
- Weight: ≈ 175 lb (79 kg)
- Build: Athletic (former high-school track)
- Hair: Brown
- Eyes: Brown
- Distinguishing: Often wore knit cap, backpack & phone gimbal while streaming
Quotes
- “Nurses don’t just work in hospitals—we show up for our communities.” (friend-recalled Facebook post, Jan 2026)
- “If we don’t document, it didn’t happen. Stream everything.” (final live-stream, moments before shooting)
Favorites
- Snack: Peanut-butter banana wraps (vegan)
- Band: Dispatch
- Hike: Superior Hiking Trail
- Dog: Catahoula “Joule” (recently deceased)
Salary & Net Worth
A VA ICU nurse with 11 years’ experience earns ≈ $95 k in Minneapolis. With overtime and research stipends, colleagues estimate Pretti’s annual income at ~$110 k. At death his assets included a modest condo, retirement fund and camping gear; net worth estimated ≈ $120,000.
Interesting Facts
- Sang tenor in the Green Bay Boy Choir’s 2004 Christmas tour.
- Once backpacked 220 km of the Superior Hiking Trail solo.
- Kept every hospital badge sticker since graduation—family found 2,300 on his closet door.
Did You Know Already?
Alex’s final tweet (23 Jan 2026) simply read: “Be where the people need you.” Less than 24 h later he was fatally shot while doing exactly that.
Social Media Links
Accounts are memorialised or deactivated; searchable hashtags:
#AlexPretti #JusticeForAlex
FAQs
How old was Alex Pretti when he died?
37 years old.
Was Alex Pretti married?
He was divorced; ex-wife Rachel Canoun.
Where did the shooting happen?
Minneapolis, intersection of 25th & Nicollet, 24 Jan 2026.
Did Alex have a criminal record?
No—only minor traffic tickets.
What do videos show?
Pretti holding a phone, shielding a woman; agents fire 10+ shots in five seconds.
Conclusion
Alex Pretti’s journey—from choirboy and scientist to frontline ICU nurse and community guardian—ended in a hail of gunfire that his family calls “an execution.” Whether history remembers him as victim or martyr, his colleagues vow to keep his mantra alive: nurses show up. If this biography helps clarify the truth, share it; truth was the last thing Alex tried to stream.
