FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Surprise, AZ, January 27, 2025
Northwest Valley Indivisible mourns the killing of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse who was shot and killed by a federal law enforcement officer in Minneapolis last weekend. Alex was a caregiver by profession and by nature, known for showing up for others. His death has shaken communities across the country and demands a full accounting.
Based on the information currently available, including witness accounts and video footage, we believe that Alex Pretti was unlawfully killed. We are confident that a complete, impartial investigation will confirm that this was an unjustified use of lethal force against a civilian.
The killing of Alex Pretti, as well as the recent killing of Renee Good, reflect a deeply troubling reality in the United States, where the exercise of constitutional rights can place ordinary people at risk of lethal harm.
For that reason, Northwest Valley Indivisible is reaffirming its longstanding commitment to nonviolence as both a moral stance and a practical safeguard for community safety.
Our commitment to nonviolence includes:
- rejecting violence as a tactic in civic engagement;
- maintaining clear expectations for calm, disciplined participation at our events;
- prohibiting weapons of any kind at Indivisible actions, so that gatherings remain focused on safety, dignity, and democratic expression.
Nonviolence is not passivity. History shows that disciplined nonviolent movements are best positioned to build broad coalitions and achieve lasting change. It is a deliberate choice to protect life and keep the focus on accountability, even as the responsibility for de-escalation seems to fall more on ordinary citizens than on federal law enforcement officers.
As part of this commitment, Northwest Valley Indivisible is holding weekly peaceful protests in Surprise, Arizona, beginning at 9:00 a.m. every Saturday at Bell Road and Civic Center Drive, and continuing until immigration enforcement actions are conducted without cruelty and with full respect for constitutional rights, both nationally and here in the Phoenix area. These events are coordinated in advance with the Surprise Police Department, who are present at our invitation to support safety for participants and the surrounding community.
Community members who share our commitment to peaceful civic engagement are invited to join us. Event details and RSVP information are available at: https://www.mobilize.us/northwestvalleyindivisible/event/888987/
Participation in Indivisible events is conditioned on adherence to nonviolence and disciplined conduct. Those unwilling to meet this standard are asked not to attend.
For more information about our organizing principles and upcoming actions, visit www.northwestvalleyindivisible.org.