Community in the Aftermath of Tragedy

A statement on the events in Minnesota

This past weekend, Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, lost his life during an encounter with U.S. federal law enforcement agents during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis.

At Modern Military, our mission is rooted in supporting LGBTQ+ service members, veterans, and their families — people who have pledged to defend the freedoms of this country, often at great personal cost and sacrifice. Among those freedoms is the right to peacefully protest, a right that must be defended and protected.

Our hearts are with everyone in Minneapolis and with those feeling the weight of recent events. Moments like this are deeply painful, especially for those who have already carried the burden of service, sacrifice, and systemic uncertainty.

In times like this, we invite our community to hold space for one another — to listen, to lead with empathy, and to support each other with care. Connection and compassion are essential, especially when trust feels strained.

Ashley Carothers
Executive Director
Modern Military Association of America