Delaware Democrats,

This must stop. The use of deadly force by federal agents against civilians without clear justification, transparency, or accountability is unacceptable, and silence cannot be an option.

We are sharing the following statement and call to action in partnership with, and in recognition of the leadership of, the Delaware Democratic Veterans & Military Families Caucus (DVMFC).

On January 24, federal agents shot and killed Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA. Alex’s work was caring for veterans. He was a brother in service to those who served our country, and someone known for his compassion and willingness to help others. Days later, we are still waiting for clear and complete answers about his death.

According to reports and video footage, Alex was holding a cell phone, not a weapon, when he was shot. He was attempting to help a woman who had been shoved to the ground and pepper-sprayed by federal agents. He posed no threat. He was a decent human being responding to someone in need.

A VA nurse cannot be killed by federal agents and quietly written off. We owe Alex Pretti more than thoughts and prayers. We owe him more than anger. We owe him the truth.

The DVMFC is calling on Delaware veterans and all Delawareans to demand:

Alex served those who served. Now it is our turn to serve him by demanding justice.

We acknowledge and thank Senator Chris Coons for his leadership on this issue. Senator Coons has stated:

“ICE agents should be held to the same standards as law enforcement officers who patrol our communities every day—but they’re not, and the horrific killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti are the result.”

Senators Coons has joined Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego in introducing the Stop Excessive Force in Immigration Act, which would require ICE agents to use body cameras and clearly identify themselves, just as law enforcement officers in cities and states across the country are required to do.

We also note that the entire Delaware federal delegation has called for the resignation and impeachment of Secretary Kristi Noem and has stated it will not support DHS funding without accountability and reform.

We are deeply grateful to our federal delegation for their leadership, courage, and willingness to push back. We encourage Delawareans to contact Senators Coons and Blunt Rochester, and Representative McBride to thank them for standing up, and to urge them to keep pressing until full transparency and accountability are achieved.

In solidarity, and with gratitude to the DVMFC for their leadership,

Evelyn Brady
Chair, Delaware Democratic Party