A vigil was held outside the VA Medical Center in Riviera Beach to remember 37-year-old Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse who was shot and killed by a U.S. Border Patrol officer during a protest in Minnesota. According to CBS12, the event began at 4:30 p.m. and included candle lighting and signs. The gathering was organized by groups including the American Federation of Government Employees and Palm Beach Indivisibles.
At the vigil, Linda Dorrance, a retired RN and ICU nurse, spoke about Alex Pretti’s background and questioned the circumstances surrounding his death. During the event, Paul Schlosser, a veteran who said he had an appointment at the VA, expressed support for ICE, which led to a confrontation and his arrest. Schlosser later stated that situations can escalate quickly and acknowledged Pretti’s death.
Representative Lois Frankel attended the gathering and spoke to those present about the situation surrounding Alex Pretti’s death. As per WPBF, she criticized ICE’s actions during her remarks. A separate event honoring Pretti was also held, where signs and candles were placed in front of the VA Medical Center. These activities took place in the context of ongoing responses to the fatal shooting of Pretti by a U.S. Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis on January 24, which has prompted protests and discussions nationally and locally. (people.com)
During the gathering, Claire Granowitz lit a Jewish memorial candle in honor of Alex Pretti, a candle traditionally meant to burn for seven days. The gesture was intended as a memorial observance. Organizers, including the American Federation of Government Employees, have indicated plans for another rally in March as events related to Pretti’s death continue to prompt public gatherings and discussion around immigration enforcement policies.
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