First Lady Melania Trump has made a rare public intervention on a matter of national controversy following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by ICE and Border Patrol agents in Minnesota over the weekend.
Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse and military veteran, was pepper-sprayed, restrained, and ultimately shot dead on Saturday, January 7. His death comes less than a month after another fatal encounter involving federal agents, the killing of Renee Good, which similarly sparked widespread outrage and scrutiny.
Conflicting Accounts and Public Backlash
The shooting immediately drew attention after multiple video recordings emerged that appeared to contradict early statements from the Department of Homeland Security. Initial claims suggested Pretti posed an imminent threat to officers at the scene. However, footage circulating online shows Pretti’s firearm remained holstered throughout the encounter.
According to reports, Pretti legally carried the firearm with a valid permit. The weapon was only removed after officers disarmed him. Moments later, he was shot.
Despite this, senior figures aligned with the Trump administration framed the incident in stark terms. White House adviser Stephen Miller and former Customs and Border Protection commander Gregory Bovino publicly described Pretti as a “domestic terrorist,” language that echoed reactions following the death of Renee Good weeks earlier.
The public response was swift and intense. Protests erupted, particularly in Minneapolis, with critics accusing federal authorities of excessive force and deliberate misinformation.
White House Softens Its Position
As pressure mounted, the White House appeared to soften its initial stance. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later referred to Pretti’s death as a “tragedy,” while Donald Trump stated that his administration would formally review the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
This shift marked a noticeable departure from earlier messaging that implied Pretti bore responsibility for his own death.
Melania Trump Breaks Her Silence
Against this backdrop, Melania Trump addressed the situation during an appearance on Fox & Friends, an unusual move for a First Lady who has largely avoided direct engagement with political crises.
Her message focused not on assigning blame, but on urging calm and cooperation.
“We need to unify. I’m calling for unity. I know my husband the president had a great call yesterday with the governor and the mayor and they’re working together to make it peaceful and without riots,”
She concluded with a clear appeal to nonviolence:
