Alex Pretti's parents seek answers from federal government 9 months after son's killing
It's been more than nine months since Veterans Affairs nurse Alex Pretti was shot by federal immigration agents in Minnesota, and his parents said that they have received no updates, no information and no support from the federal government.
On Tuesday, Susan and Michael Pretti made a public emotional plea to the Justice Department, which has not issued any charges in connection with the Jan. 24 shooting, to release all the evidence it has into its investigation and provide more accountability.
"Michael and I are not asking for any special treatment. We do not want to be on TV we are not political activists, nor do we want to become political activists. All we want is justice for Alex," Susan Pretti told reporters.
The couple held back tears as they spoke to the press, surrounded by pictures of the incident that sparked protests and backlash against the Trump administration, Immigration Customs and Enforcement and other federal agencies.
"The federal government went on TV and lied about Alex, they tried to slander his memory to cover up their crime," Susan Pretti said.
Then Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem alleged their son "committed an act of domestic terrorism," during a news conference hours after the shooting.
A Justice Department spokesperson responded to the Prettis' claims in a statement to ABC News on Tuesday.
"The timing is consistent with how these types of investigations proceed. As is standard practice, communications with family members, if any, come at a later stage of a case, such as indictment, initial appearance, plea, trial, or sentencing," the official said. "Those communications do not typically occur during an investigation."
A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Minnesota declined comment to ABC affiliate KSTB in St. Paul.
Eyewitness videos reviewed by ABC News show that the 37-year-old nurse appeared to be recording on Jan. 24 when a federal officer shoved a woman into him.
Alex Pretti appeared to try to help her, and then both of his hands are visible -- one holding a phone and the other held up, seemingly to protect himself from pepper spray -- when he's wrestled to the ground.
His firearm, which he had a legal permit to carry, was removed by an officer while he was on the ground and before approximately 10 shots were fired, the videos show.
Noem later said that she did not have all of the information about the incident before she alleged Pretti was a terrorist.
However, she repeatedly refused to retract her statement or apologize when asked by the press and congressional leaders on multiple occasions.
"We are working in those situations where there's a tragic loss of life and that there is something that our agents are involved in, that we continue to deliver information," she said during a Senate hearing in March when asked about the shooting.
Noem was removed from her position days after that hearing. Since her ouster as DHS secretary, Noem was named by Trump to be the special envoy to the "Shield of Americas," a coalition between the U.S. and governments in Latin America.
Michael Pretti said no one from the federal government reached out to his family despite repeated requests. The family says Attorney General Todd Blanche and Dan Rosen, the U.S. attorney for the District of Minnesota, have not provided any more details about the investigation.
The Justice Department said the investigation into the incident is ongoing.
"What we have been treated to is cruelty," Michael Pretti said.
"At every turn they have ignored us, misled us and shielded Alex's killers," he added.
Steve Schleicher, an attorney representing the couple, told reporters the Hennepin County Attorney's Office was reviewing the case and needed access to all available evidence to determine what happened and whether criminal charges were warranted.
In a statement provided to ABC News, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said: "The federal government continues to obstruct our investigation into Alex Pretti's killing. That's why we continue to pursue our lawsuit in federal court to access the evidence that is being wrongly withheld."
The statement added: "We have repeatedly asked for the cooperation to resume. Those requests have fallen on deaf ears. Alex Pretti died at the hands of federal agents and their bosses continue to hide evidence. It's disgusting behavior that reflects how little they care for the American people, who deserve transparency about a fatal shooting by a federal agent."
Michael Pretti directly addressed Blanche and Rosen during the news conference asking them to cooperate with local investigators.
"Look in your heart and do what is right. Share the evidence now so prosecutors can follow the facts and hold these men accountable," Michael Pretti said.
The father added the family would consider any available legal options as they continue seeking justice for their son.
"We're heartbroken to be here today. We wish we didn't have to be here. We wish Alex was alive," Michael Pretti said.
-ABC News' Luke Barr contributed to this report.
