Jonas Philanthropies Honors the Life of Alex Pretti

WASHINGTON, D.C., January 30, 2026 – Jonas Philanthropies is deeply saddened and troubled by the death of Alex Pretti, who was killed by federal agents in Minneapolis on January 24. Alex, an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, was a respected caregiver and a cherished member of his community. In the days since his death, countless friends and colleagues have shared tributes that paint a consistent portrait of a compassionate, generous, and dedicated man.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Alex’s family, loved ones, colleagues, and all who are mourning him. We call on nurses everywhere to support one another during this painful time, offering the compassion and solidarity that Alex embodied throughout his life and work.

The early loss of any life is a profound tragedy. As an organization firmly committed to supporting nurses across the United States, Jonas Philanthropies feels a responsibility to stand firmly for the safety, dignity, and humanity of all nurses.

Alex devoted his career to caring for people regardless of race, gender, religion, or immigration status. In the final moments of his life, he was doing what he had always done – attempting to help someone in need.

Jonas Philanthropies mourns the loss of Alex Pretti and calls for his memory to be honored with action. In tribute to his legacy, the upcoming cohort of the Jonas Scholars program will include an additional Scholar dedicated to advancing social justice in nursing. We hope this step helps ensure that Alex’s commitment to caring for his community continues to inspire and uplift others.