Vigil held at UC Medical Center for Minnesota nurse killed by ICE

CINCINNATI (WXIX) - Hundreds of people gathered at UC Medical Center Wednesday night for a vigil honoring Alex Pretti, the nurse who was shot and killed by Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis over the weekend.

The Registered Nurses Association organized the event in the medical center’s amphitheater, where attendees lit hundreds of candles in Pretti’s memory.

“His compassion reached far beyond any place, and so does the loss of his life,” said Brian Griffin, Cincinnati’s AFL Executive Secretary, who spoke to the crowd.

Griffin emphasized workplace safety concerns during his remarks.

“No worker should lose their life for showing up, for caring, or for standing peacefully in community,” Griffin said.

Attendees described feeling overwhelmed by videos of the incident that took Pretti’s life.

“It was devastating. He was out there just trying to help. Like me, like all the people here,” said Wendy Jacobs, who attended the vigil.

“I feel quite helpless at the moment,” said Elle, another attendee.

Many said they came to show solidarity with Pretti’s family and the nursing community.

“That’s a very prevalent sentiment in the air. Solidarity and showing up for your community and showing that we are the ones who have the power at the end of the day, and we will not be stepped on,” said Trenton Braun.

Jacobs said she attended, hoping to see unity in the community.

“I just want people to get along again. I want to see people love our neighbors. I just want to see love again. That’s why I’m here,” Jacobs said.

She described feeling welcomed at Cincinnati community gatherings.

“I’ve been to many gatherings and every time I come to one, especially in Cincinnati, I feel peace, I feel love, I feel welcomed, I feel part of the community, and that’s what it’s about, is being part of the community,” Jacobs said.

The vigil ended shortly after 8 p.m., with many attendees saying they would attend additional local vigils.

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