NNPEN Statement on the Death of Registered Nurse Alex Pretti

The National Nurse Practitioner Entrepreneur Network (NNPEN) is profoundly saddened and disturbed by the fatal shooting of registered nurse Alex Jeffrey Pretti on January 24, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mr. Pretti was a 37-year-old intensive care nurse at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System whose life and service reflected the compassion, dedication, and commitment to human dignity that define the nursing profession.

NNPEN extends our deepest condolences to Mr. Pretti’s family, friends, colleagues, and the broader nursing community. We mourn not only the loss of a colleague but also the senseless loss of a human life in circumstances that remain deeply troubling and demand clarity.

The American Nurses Association (ANA) has expressed that it is “deeply disturbed and saddened” by Mr. Pretti’s death, condemning all violence and calling for a full, unencumbered investigation into the incident with transparency and accountability so that his loved ones and the public can understand exactly what occurred. ANA also underscored long-standing concerns about the safety of nurses and health care workers in the community and the rising risk of violence outside of traditional workplace settings.

NNPEN unequivocally supports these principles. Nurses enter the profession to heal, protect human life, and serve their communities in vulnerable moments. When a nurse — irrespective of context — is killed, whether in a clinical setting or in the broader public square, it not only cuts deeply within the profession but also raises urgent concerns about the conditions under which nurses and members of the public can exercise their rights without fear of violence.

We call for:

1.     A transparent, independent, and comprehensive investigation into the facts surrounding Mr. Pretti’s death.

2.     Accountability and de-escalation measures to prevent future loss of life among health care professionals, protesters, and civilians.

3.     Reinforcement of the fundamental nursing pledge to uphold human rights and public safety, consistent with the ANA Code of Ethics, which obligates nurses to advocate for justice and protection of life.

NNPEN stands in solidarity with nursing organizations, community groups, and all those advocating for truth, justice, and systemic change. We reaffirm our commitment to advancing conditions that protect nurses, uphold human dignity, and ensure that no nurse’s service ends in tragedy.