Minnesota medtech companies call for ‘de-escalation’ after Alex Pretti’s death
After U.S. immigration officials in Minneapolis killed Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, nearly 70 healthcare executives from Minnesota-based businesses have issued an open letter calling for an “immediate de-escalation of tensions” and for “state, local and federal officials to work together to find real solutions.” Leaders from two of the world’s largest medtech companies, Medtronic and Boston Scientific, signed that letter, as did executives from Mayo Clinic, Target and several professional sports teams.
“The recent challenges facing our state have created widespread disruption and tragic loss of life,” the executives wrote. “For the past several weeks, representatives of Minnesota’s business community have been working every day behind the scenes with federal, state and local officials to advance real solutions. These efforts have included close communication with the governor, the White House, the vice president and local mayors. There are ways for us to come together to foster progress. With yesterday’s tragic news, we are calling for an immediate de-escalation of tensions and for state, local and federal officials to work together to find real solutions.”
Geoff Martha, Medtronic’s CEO and chairman, and Joseph Fitzgerald, Boston Scientific’s executive vice president and group president of cardiology, are the two most prominent medtech leaders who signed the letter. Martha shared the document on LinkedIn.
“The escalating events in Minneapolis have resulted in the tragic loss of life and have deeply impacted individuals, families and communities,” he wrote.
Nurse’s death prompted businesses to speak out
Pretti was shot and killed on the morning of Saturday, Jan. 24, after filming a confrontation between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and a Minnesota resident protesting the agency. The White House and ICE officials have argued that Pretti had a handgun, proof that he was at the protest as an “agitator.” Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and local police officials, meanwhile, emphasized that Pretti had no criminal record and was legally carrying his gun with a valid permit.
Pretti is remembered by friends, family and colleagues for his kindness and empathy. He treated U.S. veterans on a daily basis as part of his job with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and worked on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The incident happened less than three weeks after another Minnesota resident, 37-year-old Renee Good, was shot and killed in her car by ICE officials. Again, White House officials and ICE have maintained that Good’s death was justified.
Michael has more than 19 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.