- Details
- By Levi Rickert
The tragic death of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old Veterans Affairs intensive care unit nurse, on a street in Minneapolis on Saturday morning is the second death at the hands of federal agents in the city this month. On Jan. 7, 2026, an ICE officer killed Renée Good. Both victims were citizens of Minneapolis.
Trump administration officials on Saturday were quick to claim that Pretti was impeding the work of immigration officers. The Department of Homeland Security insisted the victim appeared on the street Saturday to “massacre” law enforcement officers.
Various videos dispute these claims by Trump administration officials, including Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi L. Noem, who accused Pretti of being a domestic terrorist.
The killing has outraged Americans throughout the United States.
Here’s what Native Americans serving in Congress saying about Pretti’s killing:
Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) - Cherokee
Making an appearance on FOX News on Sunday, Mullin continued to defend the White House’s version of the tragedy. He called Pretti a “deranged individual.”
"A deranged individual who came in to cause massive damage with a loaded pistol was shot and killed. How much more does it have to go on before the Democrat leaders take responsibility for their words?" Mullin said.
U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KS) - Ho-Chunk
“I am angry and heartbroken about the killing of Alex Pretti, a VA nurse in Minnesota. People should feel safe in their own communities, but right now families are afraid to leave their homes and communities are living in fear.
Our local law enforcement should be allowed to protect our neighborhoods — not masked, militarized federal agents operating with zero transparency. This shouldn’t be who we are as a country.
One killing is too many, but after two fatal shootings in recent weeks, this administration must answer for what happened and take immediate, concrete action to stop the senseless killing of our neighbors.”
The other two Native Americans in Congress, Rep.Tom Cole (R-OK) and Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-OK) have not made any public statements regarding Pretti’s killing.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsUS Presidents in Their Own Words Concerning American Indians
Native News Weekly (February 1, 2026): D.C. Briefs
In Solidarity with Georgia Fort and Don Lemon
Deb Haaland Criticizes Noem for Withholding FEMA Disaster Relief from New Mexico
Help us defend tribal sovereignty.
At Native News Online, our mission is rooted in telling the stories that strengthen sovereignty and uplift Indigenous voices — not just at year’s end, but every single day.
Because of your generosity last year, we were able to keep our reporters on the ground in tribal communities, at national gatherings and in the halls of Congress — covering the issues that matter most to Indian Country: sovereignty, culture, education, health and economic opportunity.
That support sustained us through a tough year in 2025. Now, as we look to the year ahead, we need your help right now to ensure warrior journalism remains strong — reporting that defends tribal sovereignty, amplifies Native truth, and holds power accountable.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Your support keeps Native voices heard, Native stories told and Native sovereignty defended.
Stand with Warrior Journalism today.
Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher
