Edina Woman Reflects on Viral Protest After Alex Pretti Shooting

Joy Vogt says she saw a community "stand together" in south Minneapolis.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Joy Vogt, a 55-year-old Edina wife and mother of three, went viral after she spoke out about feeling compelled to protest in south Minneapolis following the police shooting of Alex Pretti. Vogt said she saw a community that "stood together" and "hugged each other" during the demonstration, despite the use of chemical irritants. She expressed some regrets about describing her home as "posh," clarifying that it is an average Midwestern home.

Why it matters

Vogt's words resonated with millions across social media, highlighting the strong community response to the Pretti shooting and the willingness of residents from outside the immediate area to join the protests. Her perspective provides insight into how the events unfolded on the ground and the sense of unity felt among demonstrators.

The details

Vogt said she felt called to go protest in south Minneapolis after learning that Alex Pretti had been shot and killed by two Border Patrol agents. During the demonstration, she said she "saw a community that said, 'we won't have this.'" Despite the use of chemical irritants, Vogt described the scene as one where people "stood together" and "hugged each other." She expressed some regret about describing her home as "posh," clarifying that it is an average Midwestern home.

  • The protest Vogt attended took place nearly a month ago.

The players

Joy Vogt

A 55-year-old Edina wife and mother of three who went viral for her comments about feeling compelled to protest in south Minneapolis following the police shooting of Alex Pretti.

Alex Pretti

A man who was shot and killed by two Border Patrol agents, sparking protests in the Whittier neighborhood of south Minneapolis.

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What they’re saying

“I'm a 55-year-old woman who lives in Edina, and I have to come in here and tell the world, like, we have to change this.”

— Joy Vogt (WCCO)

“I'm out here because of you. If I didn't hear your words I wouldn't be out here.”

— Unnamed woman (Conversation with Joy Vogt)

The takeaway

Vogt's viral comments highlighted the strong community response to the Pretti shooting and the willingness of residents from outside the immediate area to join the protests. Her perspective provides insight into the sense of unity felt among demonstrators, despite the challenging circumstances.