The family of Alex Pretti has enlisted the services of Steve Schleicher, a former federal prosecutor known for his role in securing a murder conviction against ex-Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for the death of George Floyd. This decision comes in the wake of Pretti's tragic shooting incident involving U.S. Border Patrol officers on January 24, 2026, while he was filming an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis.
Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, was reportedly shot multiple times during the incident. According to accounts, video footage shows that one officer removed Pretti's legally permitted handgun before two other officers opened fire, resulting in his death. The shooting has drawn attention, especially because it follows another tragic incident in Minneapolis less than three weeks earlier, where Renee Good, a mother of three, was shot and killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer.
Steve Schleicher, who operates from the Minneapolis law firm Maslon, has a robust background in litigation. Prior to entering private practice, Schleicher was a seasoned prosecutor in both state and federal settings, including a notable 13-year tenure as a member of the U.S. Attorney's office for the District of Minnesota. His experience covers a wide spectrum of cases, including violent crime, organized crime, racketeering, and civil rights violations. He also served as a reserve officer in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General Corps. The Pretti family has retained Schleicher to represent them pro bono, as confirmed by a family spokesman.
Alongside Schleicher, Pretti's younger sister, Micayla Pretti, has hired attorney Anthony Cotton from the law firm Kuchler & Cotton based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. These attorneys have been brought on board to protect the family's interests following the shocking loss of their loved one, with statements indicating the intention to ensure justice and accountability in this case.
The tragic shooting of Alex Pretti raises significant questions about law enforcement practices and the use of force in situations involving civilians. The involvement of federal officers, such as those from the Border Patrol, and the circumstances surrounding the incident further complicate the narrative. Previous to this incident, the Good family has also sought legal representation from the Chicago-based firm Romanucci & Blandin, known for their prior work with the family of George Floyd. The connections between these two cases highlight a broader concern regarding the actions of law enforcement in communities, particularly in Minneapolis, where tensions have remained high following a series of contentious policing incidents.
As investigations into Pretti's shooting continue, the Pretti family's focus on legal recourse underscores the ongoing struggle for accountability within law enforcement agencies. The families affected by such tragedies often seek to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future and to advocate for systemic changes that could protect other individuals from facing similar violence.
