On January 24, Stella Carlson — now known as the “pink coat lady” — was on her way to a church in Minneapolis when she witnessed the killing of 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti by ICE agents.
Carlson, who began recording after hearing warning whistles used by residents to signal ICE activity, said she saw agents aggressively detaining people. She pulled over after seeing Pretti directing traffic and trying to help others. Calm and composed, he appeared to be assessing the situation — not threatening anyone.
Moments later, officers tackled Pretti, removed a gun from his holster, and shot him multiple times, including in the back. Carlson, standing just feet away, watched him die.
“I watched him die,” she said. “They handled his body like they were counting bullet wounds — like he was a deer.”
Her video directly contradicted official claims that Pretti had “brandished” a weapon. She said he never drew his gun and was acting peacefully. “It was an assassination,” Carlson stated, calling the killing a public execution carried out in the open.
Following the release of her footage, public outrage grew, and federal officials were forced to respond. The incident also led to the removal of a Border Patrol official overseeing operations in the area.
Carlson said she recorded despite fear because “we all have moments where we have to be brave.” She added, “Nobody should be afraid of being killed in the street for trying to help — especially in America.”