The family, who live in Colorado, said they had urged their son, who was armed with a handgun when he confronted Border Patrol officers, to be cautious if he chose to participate in protests surrounding immigration policy in Minneapolis, where tensions have risen following separate fatal encounters between federal agents and civilians.
“We had this discussion with him two weeks ago or so, you know, that go ahead and protest, but do not engage, do not do anything stupid, basically,” Michael told the AP.
“And he said he knows that,” Michael continued. “He knew that.”
In a statement released after Pretti’s death was confirmed, they described him as a “kind-hearted soul.” They also rejected the DHS’s account of the shooting, calling the statements “sickening lies.” Continue reading…