In a major legal move following the controversial death of Alex Pretti, his family has retained a high-profile lawyer who played a key role in prosecuting former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in the George Floyd case, ensuring experienced counsel and national attention as investigations continue. This step comes amid intense debate over law enforcement use of force and political pressure for clearer accountability. Why this matters now: with growing national protests over federal law enforcement conduct, the choice of legal representation signals a strategic effort to elevate Pretti’s case to the level of national scrutiny and justice reform discussions.
Who Was Alex Pretti and What Happened
Alex Jeffrey Pretti was a 37-year-old intensive care nurse at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center and a licensed gun owner with no criminal history who was shot and killed by federal immigration agents during an enforcement operation on January 24, 2026, in Minneapolis. Multiple videos show Pretti filming Border Patrol officers and attempting to assist others when the situation escalated into violence. According to eyewitness accounts and video reviews, he was subdued and shot multiple times, sparking public outrage.
Pretti’s parents, Michael and Susan Pretti, and younger sister Micayla have vehemently disputed claims from the Department of Homeland Security, which initially defended the shooting. Family friends and witnesses have contested official narratives, amplifying calls for an independent inquiry into federal agent conduct.
Strategic Legal Choice: Hiring a Top Prosecutor
To navigate the complex legal and public relations challenges ahead, the Pretti family has enlisted Steve Schleicher, a seasoned litigator and former federal prosecutor now in private practice. Schleicher played an instrumental role as a special prosecutor under Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison during the 2021 trial of Derek Chauvin, contributing to Chauvin’s conviction in the murder of George Floyd.
Schleicher is representing Michael and Susan Pretti pro bono, a family spokesman confirmed, highlighting both the moral commitment behind the case and the expectation of a legal strategy that prioritizes accountability and public transparency. Separately, Micayla Pretti has hired attorney Anthony Cotton of Kuchler & Cotton in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to protect her interests in related legal actions.
The National Backdrop: A Broader Pattern of Controversy
Pretti’s death follows a series of controversial federal shootings in Minneapolis. On January 7, another local resident, Renée Good, was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent, prompting widespread criticism of federal enforcement tactics. Good’s family has also retained prominent legal counsel, including the Chicago-based firm that represented George Floyd’s family, adding layers of legal and social momentum to these cases.
Critics argue that the shootings are part of a troubling pattern of excessive force by federal agencies, especially at the intersection of immigration enforcement and civil liberties. These incidents have ignited protests and political pressure across the United States, with activists demanding reform and accountability from federal law enforcement.
Political and Social Impact
The Pretti case has rapidly become a flashpoint in national debates over law enforcement, immigration policy, and federal authority. Minnesota officials, community groups, and civil-rights advocates have called for independent investigations and policy changes. Meanwhile, federal agents involved in the shooting were placed on administrative leave — standard but highly scrutinized protocol — as inquiries proceed.
President Donald Trump’s administration has faced criticism from both political sides: some calling for de-escalation and accountability, others defending enforcement policies. This polarized environment amplifies the significance of expert legal representation, which the Pretti family is now positioned to leverage for broader impact.
What Comes Next: Legal Battles and Public Awareness
With top legal minds now on their side, the Pretti family is preparing for a prolonged legal and public campaign. The choice of counsel signals that the case will likely extend beyond local legal avenues, potentially involving federal civil rights litigation and public inquiries into enforcement conduct and policies.
The broader implications of this case include potential changes in how federal law enforcement operations are conducted, particularly in urban areas where community interactions are sensitive and highly visible. This case could influence future policy frameworks and national conversations on civil liberties and policing.
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