Alex Pretti's Parents Demand Answers from DOJ Nine Months After Son's Killing

Nine months after Veterans Affairs nurse Alex Pretti was shot by federal agents in Minnesota, his parents publicly implored the Department of Justice to release investigative evidence and provide accountability.

Susan and Michael Pretti stated Tuesday that they have received no updates, information, or support from the federal government since their son's death on Jan. 24. The Justice Department has not issued any charges in connection with the shooting.

"All we want is justice for Alex," Susan Pretti told reporters, expressing a desire for transparency rather than special treatment.

The parents recounted their frustration, with Susan Pretti alleging the federal government made false claims about their son to obscure the incident. She referred to statements made by then-Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who hours after the shooting described Pretti as having committed an act of domestic terrorism.

Eyewitness videos reviewed by ABC News indicate that Pretti, 37, was recording the events on Jan. 24 when a federal officer pushed a woman into him. Pretti appeared to attempt to assist the woman before being wrestled to the ground, with one hand holding a phone and the other raised, seemingly to ward off pepper spray. Videos show his legally carried firearm was removed by an officer before approximately 10 shots were fired.

Noem later acknowledged she did not have all the information when she made the terrorism allegation but repeatedly declined to retract or apologize for her statement. She was subsequently removed from her DHS secretary position.

A Justice Department spokesperson stated that the timing of communications with family members is consistent with standard investigative procedures, typically occurring later in the process, such as during an indictment or trial, and not during the active investigation phase.

Michael Pretti described the family's experience as "cruelty" and stated that federal officials have ignored, misled, and shielded those involved in his son's death. The family has made repeated requests for information to Attorney General Todd Blanche and U.S. Attorney for Minnesota Dan Rosen, but claims no further details have been provided.

The Hennepin County Attorney's Office is reviewing the case. In a statement, County Attorney Mary Moriarty said the federal government is obstructing their investigation and that they are pursuing a lawsuit to access withheld evidence. Moriarty criticized the federal government's lack of cooperation as "disgusting behavior" and a sign of disregard for the public's right to transparency.

Michael Pretti appealed directly to Blanche and Rosen to share the evidence, urging them to "do what is right" and allow prosecutors to pursue accountability.

The family is considering all legal options to find justice for their son, with Michael Pretti expressing his deep sorrow over the situation.