Folks,
Greetings from the Burgh, where we received news of the brutal slaying of Alex J. Pretti. May his memory always be a blessing in the fight for justice.
Alex Pretti Was Unarmed & Immobilized When Shot Repeatedly in the Back
This morning, Alex J. Pretti, a 37-year-old immigrant rights activist, was shot repeatedly in the back while unarmed and immobilized by multiple agents of ICE and the Border Patrol. The killing is the second time this month that an immigration rights activist has been killed by Trump’s immigration agents in Minneapolis.
According to multiple videos analyzed by The New York Times and other websites, Pretti had attempted to intervene to protect a woman who was being beaten by federal agents. In the process, federal agents then sprayed Pretti in the face with bear spray. Several then jumped on him and beat him while he lay on the ground.
One ICE agent discovered that Pretti, who was a licensed firearm owner, had a gun on him in his pants. However, the video clearly shows that at no time did Pretti ever touch or attempt to brandish the gun. Indeed, he was completely immobilized with two federal agents holding him down, while another federal agent beat him in the face, and a fourth federal agent disarmed him.
After being disarmed, a fifth federal agent arrived and shot Pretti repeatedly in the back while two agents still restrained him.
Watch this video analysis, which shows that Pretti was unarmed and immobilized when killed. (Warning: graphic content)
Pretti was an AFGE Union Member & ICU Nurse at the Local VA
Alex Pretti was an ICUnurse at the Minneapolis VA and, according to AFGE, a union member of AFGE Local 3669.
“A member of our union lost their life today, and that alone is devastating. Our hearts are heavy, and we are deeply stricken by this tragedy that has befallen one of our own,” his union said in a statement released on Facebook.
One of his co-workers at the hospital said that he was a good guy who looked out for other people.
“He wanted to be helpful, to help humanity, and have a career that was a force of good in the world,” co-worker Ruth Anway told The New York Times.
His parents told NBC News that they had warned him about safety risks.
“We had this discussion with him two weeks ago or so, you know, that, go ahead and protest, but do not engage, do not do anything stupid, basically,” his father, Michael Pretti, told NBC News. “And he said he knows that. He knew that.”
Murder of Union Member Likely to Increase Calls for General Strike
Yesterday, Minneapolis was shut down as more than 700 businesses closed to support the General Strike. More than 300 solidarity actions with the General Strike were also held, according to an analysis by Payday Report.
Already, many are calling for another General Strike in Minneapolis and elsewhere. The killing of a union member is only likely to increase the calls for another General Strike. As they say in the labor movement, “an injury to one is an injury to all.”
The National Guard has been deployed by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to restore order in the city, likely leading to schools in Minneapolis once again canceling classes as they have when massive protests erupted following the killing of Renee Good.
NBA Game Cancellation Could Spark Another Players’ Walkout
The NBA has also canceled its game there tonight between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors. The game will be played tomorrow.
However, it's unclear if the players, whose union has gone on strike against police brutality in the past, will want to play the game.
In August of 2020, NBA players refused to partake in playoff games following the games being cancelled across the league following the shooting of Jacob Blake by Kenosha police in Wisconsin. The action inspired athletes in baseball, football, hockey, and other sports to also refuse to play for several days.
If NBA players refuse to play tomorrow, it could create even more momentum for those advocating for a general strike.
Donate to Help Us Work through the Weekend
After the General Strike yesterday, I planned to take the weekend off, but this shooting requires immediate attention. Weekend work also means editors receiving overtime.
If you can, help us cover our overtime costs and the costs of continuing to fight the good fight. We will update you with more throughout the weekend and early next week.
May Alex Pretti’s memory always be a blessing in the fight for justice!
Love & Solidarity,
Melk
