VP JD Vance Flatly Refuses to Apologize Over Alex Pretti Shooting Narrative, Saying “For What?”
Vice President JD Vance made clear Tuesday that he will not apologize to the family of Alex Pretti for earlier comments that echoed claims the Minnesota ICU nurse was an “assassin” before he was shot and killed by federal agents. When pressed by a reporter whether he planned to say sorry, Vance replied simply, “For what?” and declined to take back the narrative he helped amplify.
The question comes amid growing controversy over the January 24 Minneapolis shooting, in which federal immigration agents fatally shot Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse. Pretti’s death ignited protests nationwide after video footage circulated that conflicted with initial claims of a deadly threat.
Vance had reshared a post from White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller asserting an “assassin” tried to murder federal agents — a characterization authorities now acknowledge was premature. When asked whether he planned to apologize for endorsing that depiction, Vance again dodged, saying he didn’t want to “prejudge the investigation” and that deciding fault should be left to investigators.
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A federal civil rights investigation into Pretti’s killing is underway, led by the FBI at the Justice Department’s direction, after video evidence contradicted some early official statements.
Vance’s stance, refusing to retract or apologize for earlier comments, has drawn sharp criticism from advocates who say the narrative wrongly vilified a man who was legally carrying a firearm but not shown brandishing it before he was shot.
Supporters of Vance argue that calling for an apology before the investigation concludes would be premature. Vance reiterated that position, emphasizing the importance of awaiting official findings before making judgments.
The federal probe and public reaction will shape how the Pretti case continues to affect national debate over law enforcement use of force.
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