Birmingham, AL, January 31, 2026
A solemn vigil at Railroad Park in Birmingham, AL, gathered hundreds of healthcare workers and community members to honor Alex Pretti, a nurse killed in a shooting incident involving federal agents. The event, organized by Birmingham Indivisible, highlighted Pretti’s contributions and called for accountability surrounding his tragic death during an immigration enforcement action in Minneapolis. Attendees engaged in prayers and songs, creating a shared sense of grief and solidarity in the wake of this tragedy.
Birmingham Honors Alex Pretti with Solemn Vigil
Birmingham, AL – Hundreds of healthcare workers and community members recently gathered in a solemn prayer vigil at Railroad Park to honor the life of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a dedicated nurse tragically killed in a shooting incident involving federal agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The vigil, held within the last 48 hours, served as a poignant tribute to Pretti’s life and contributions, drawing attention to the circumstances surrounding his death.
Community Gathers for Remembrance and Solidarity
The event, organized by Birmingham Indivisible, a grassroots organization, brought together a diverse group of attendees, including numerous healthcare professionals, scientists, and concerned citizens. Participants held candles and engaged in prayers and songs, creating an atmosphere of shared grief and unity. The vigil aimed not only to remember Alex Pretti but also to shine a light on his life and the broader implications of his passing.
Organizers had encouraged healthcare workers, scientists, and others to attend, emphasizing the collective desire to acknowledge Pretti’s role as a caregiver and advocate. The turnout underscored the deep impact Pretti’s death has had on the community, particularly among those in the medical field who share his commitment to service.
Tragic Incident in Minneapolis
Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse with the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, was fatally shot by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents on January 24, 2026, during an immigration enforcement action in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The incident occurred amidst a period of heightened federal immigration enforcement operations in the city, known as “Operation Metro Surge,” and followed another fatal shooting by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Minneapolis on January 7, 2026.
Reports indicate that Pretti was filming law enforcement agents with his phone and directing traffic at the time of the shooting. He reportedly intervened in an interaction, positioning himself between an agent and a woman whom the agent had pushed to the ground. Following this, Pretti was pepper-sprayed and wrestled to the ground by several federal agents.
Conflicting accounts have emerged regarding the events leading to the shooting. Federal officials initially stated that Pretti approached immigration agents with a 9mm semiautomatic handgun and resisted when they attempted to disarm him. However, bystander videos reportedly show Pretti holding a phone, not a firearm, and suggest he may have been disarmed before shots were fired. State officials confirmed that Pretti was a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry in Minnesota. According to a government report sent to Congress, two CBP agents discharged their weapons during the encounter, and the agents involved have since been placed on leave.
Widespread Impact and Calls for Justice
The death of Alex Jeffrey Pretti has resonated deeply within the healthcare community and beyond. Colleagues and fellow nurses have expressed profound sadness and a desire for accountability. In addition to the Birmingham vigil, moments of silence and other remembrance events have been held in various locations, including Worcester, as a testament to Pretti’s impact and the collective grief felt by many.
The vigils and community gatherings underscore a widespread call for transparency and understanding regarding the circumstances of Pretti’s death. Many see these events as a crucial step in honoring a dedicated healthcare worker and advocating for justice. The incident has intensified discussions around federal law enforcement operations and their interactions with the public, particularly in protest settings. The ongoing nature of these discussions reflects a collective desire for clarity and a commitment to ensuring that such tragedies are thoroughly investigated and addressed. The expressions of solidarity and mourning highlight the significant role Pretti played in his community and the lasting legacy he leaves behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who was Alex Jeffrey Pretti?
Alex Jeffrey Pretti was a 37-year-old intensive care nurse with the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System whose life was lost in a shooting involving U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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Where did the vigil for Alex Jeffrey Pretti take place?
The vigil for Alex Jeffrey Pretti took place at Railroad Park in Birmingham, Alabama.
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Who organized the vigil in Birmingham?
The vigil in Birmingham was organized by Birmingham Indivisible, a grassroots organization.
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Who attended the vigil for Alex Jeffrey Pretti?
Hundreds of healthcare workers, scientists, and other community members gathered at Railroad Park for the prayer vigil.
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What was the cause of Alex Jeffrey Pretti’s death?
Alex Jeffrey Pretti was fatally shot by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents during an immigration enforcement action in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on January 24, 2026.
Key Information Regarding Alex Jeffrey Pretti Vigil and Incident
| Feature | Detail | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Individual Honored | Alex Jeffrey Pretti, 37-year-old intensive care nurse | Nationwide (VA employment, federal nature of incident) |
| Event Type | Prayer Vigil | Local (Birmingham, Alabama) |
| Location of Vigil | Railroad Park, Birmingham | Local (Birmingham, Alabama) |
| Date of Vigil | Within the last 48 hours of January 31, 2026 | Local (Birmingham, Alabama) |
| Cause of Death | Shooting involving U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents | Nationwide (Federal agency involved) |
| Location of Shooting | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Local (Minneapolis, Minnesota) |
| Date of Shooting | January 24, 2026 | Local (Minneapolis, Minnesota) |
| Organizers of Vigil | Birmingham Indivisible | Local (Birmingham, Alabama) |
| Attendees of Vigil | Hundreds of healthcare workers, scientists, and community members | Local (Birmingham, Alabama) |
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Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
