A fundraising campaign established for anti-ICE protestor Alex Pretti, who was shot by a federal agent on January 24, has now exceeded $1 million in contributions, bolstered by a significant donation from a wealthy individual.
Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, was shot and killed by a federal immigration officer in the streets of Minneapolis. This incident occurred just weeks after the death of Renee Good, a mother of three, who was killed in her car in the same city.
In response to the shooting, the Department of Homeland Security claimed that federal immigration agents acted in self-defense, asserting that Pretti had a handgun at the time. However, this account contradicts witness statements and video evidence, which show Pretti holding a cell phone rather than a firearm.
Various videos of the incident have been widely shared online. The Guardian reports that footage reviewed does not show Pretti, who had a legal permit for a gun, holding a weapon in his hand.
In another video, Pretti appears to intervene to aid a woman allegedly pushed to the ground by an officer. During this intervention, he is repeatedly sprayed with a chemical agent and then tackled.
Additional witness videos depict agents encircling Pretti, with one officer reportedly reaching down before stepping back with what seems to be a gun. Moments later, shots are discharged.
An online fundraiser describing Pretti as an ‘American Hero’ has been launched to support his family.
Originally aiming to raise $20,000, the campaign has now gathered over $1.5 million, including a $10,000 donation from billionaire Bill Ackman, as confirmed to the Wall Street Journal on January 25.
Ackman also confirmed his contribution on X, responding to a tweet about his donation: “Done. That said, I don’t agree with the GoFundMe that he is an American hero, but his loss is tragic for him and his family.”
Previously, Ackman donated $10,000 to a GoFundMe for Jonathan Ross, the ICE officer involved in the shooting of Good.
The billionaire indicated his intention to support Good’s family, but the fundraiser had already closed after reaching its $1.5 million goal.
He stated: “I was simply continuing my longstanding commitment to assisting those accused of crimes by providing for their defense.”
As controversy over Pretti’s death grows, President Donald Trump addressed the situation on Truth Social, noting a ‘very good call’ with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. He mentioned they share the ‘same wavelength’ regarding the matter.
A statement from Walz’s office revealed: “The president agreed that he would talk to his Department of Homeland Security about ensuring the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is able to conduct an independent investigation, as would ordinarily be the case.
“The president also agreed to look into reducing the number of federal agents in Minnesota and working with the state in a more coordinated fashion on immigration enforcement regarding violent criminals.”