Goodweather Condemns Federal Killing of Minneapolis Nurse
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 27, 2026
Contact:
Anthony Field | Campaign Manager, Goodweather for DC
anthony@goodweatherfordc.com | 301.892.3165
Goodweather Condemns Federal Killing of Minneapolis Nurse,
Pledges to Defend D.C. Residents from Federal Overreach
Mayoral candidate outlines comprehensive protections for District residents as federal immigration enforcement turns deadly
Washington, D.C. — Following this weekend’s fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen by federal agents in Minneapolis, mayoral candidate Gary Goodweather outlined the immediate steps he would take as Mayor to protect District residents and uphold constitutional rights.
The shooting killed Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37 year old ICU nurse and U.S. citizen who was legally carrying a firearm and had no criminal record. The incident occurred Saturday morning and has raised national concerns about federal enforcement accountability and local authority. While the shooting occurred outside the District, Goodweather stressed that its implications are deeply relevant to Washington, D.C.
“What happened this weekend should concern every city in America,” said Goodweather. “Alex Jeffrey Pretti was not a criminal. He was a nurse. If federal agents can use deadly force and then avoid local accountability elsewhere, we must be prepared to protect our residents here at home. Constitutional rights do not stop at the District line.”
Goodweather, a U.S. Army veteran and longtime DC resident, emphasized that public safety and civil liberties are not competing priorities.
“As Mayor, my responsibility is simple. Keep people safe. Defend their rights. And ensure that no one, including federal agents, operates above the law in Washington, DC.”
As Mayor, Goodweather will take immediate action to protect District residents:
Strengthening sanctuary protections by issuing executive orders prohibiting District agencies, including MPD, from participating in federal immigration enforcement or sharing information for immigration purposes.
Ending voluntary cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, including ICE and CBP, and barring the use of District resources for immigration enforcement activities.
Establishing a legal defense fund to provide free legal representation for District residents targeted by federal immigration enforcement, regardless of immigration status.
Designating sensitive locations as protected spaces, including schools, hospitals, houses of worship, and District government facilities, where federal immigration enforcement would be prohibited.
Launching a citywide Know Your Rights campaign to ensure residents understand their constitutional protections, including the right to remain silent and the right to legal counsel.
Goodweather said these immediate actions are the first phase of a broader framework he will release soon outlining how a Goodweather administration will protect DC residents and defend local authority.
“Washington, DC is home to more than 700,000 people who deserve leadership willing to stand up for them,” Goodweather said. “Our neighbors are not targets. Our streets are not war zones. And as Mayor, I will use every legal tool available to protect the people who call this city home.”
Goodweather called on District leaders to take proactive steps now to strengthen local protections and ensure transparency and accountability in any federal enforcement activity.
Goodweather for DC is a grassroots, Fair Elections campaign committed to building a safer, stronger, and more self-determined Washington, DC.
###
Paid for by Goodweather for DC, Malachy Nugent, Treasurer