Andy Cohen spoke out after the shocking killing of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, by a U.S. Border Patrol officer in Minneapolis. The talk show host criticized the Trump administration for spreading misinformation and condemned the government’s handling of protests and federal enforcement actions. Cohen’s remarks highlighted frustration and disbelief at what he called a dangerous precedent.
Andy Cohen on Alex Pretti’s killing: Government “Gaslighting” Citizens
During his show, Cohen accused the administration of “gaslighting” Americans about anti-ICE protests. He said, “Now I’ve seen a lot of gaslighting on the Housewives, and that’s all fun and games, but we need to believe what we’re seeing with our own eyes. Our government is allowing anonymous, masked agents to execute its own citizens and then lying about it.”
He questioned claims that Pretti and other protesters were paid agitators, emphasizing that this is not a partisan issue or purely about immigration reform. In his words: “Also, if these are paid protesters – as we’re being told – show us the receipts, even one receipt. This issue is not left versus right. This isn’t even about immigration reform, which the nation wants.”
Cohen closed with a powerful warning: “We all have to decide if we wanna live in a society in which our government kills citizens and then tells us not to believe what we’re seeing with our own eyes. And I know that that is not the America that I believe in – or any of us want. Everyone, please stay safe out there. Minneapolis, we love you.”
Family Speaks Out: ‘He was a Good Man’
Pretti’s family described him as a devoted, caring individual, upset by the Trump administration’s immigration policies. His father, Michael Pretti, explained, “He cared about people deeply and he was very upset with what was happening in Minneapolis and throughout the United States with ICE, as millions of other people are upset.”
The family said Alex had a permit to carry a concealed handgun but had never been known to carry it, and videos show he held only his phone while shielding a woman during the protest.
In a statement, they blasted the administration for misrepresenting their son: “The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting.” They urged the public to share his true story: “Please get the truth out about our son. He was a good man.”
