Columbus to Hold Vigil for Slain VA Nurse

AFGE and Ohio AFL-CIO to honor Alex Pretti, killed by ICE agents

Feb. 1, 2026 at 2:15pm

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Members of the American Federation of Government Employees in Columbus and the Ohio AFL-CIO will be participating in a nationwide candlelight vigil on Sunday, February 1st to honor Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Minneapolis who was fatally shot on January 24th by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

Why it matters

The vigil is part of a nationwide effort to mourn the loss of Pretti, who was killed in the line of duty while working as a VA nurse, and to raise awareness about the dangers that healthcare workers can face, especially those who serve vulnerable populations like veterans.

The details

The candlelight vigil will take place outside the Columbus VA on the evening of February 1st. It is being organized by the local AFGE chapter and the Ohio AFL-CIO to honor Pretti's memory and call for greater protections for healthcare workers.

  • The vigil will be held on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
  • Pretti was fatally shot by ICE agents on January 24, 2026.

The players

American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE)

A labor union that represents federal and D.C. government employees, including many healthcare workers at the VA.

Ohio AFL-CIO

The state chapter of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, a national trade union center and the largest federation of unions in the United States.

Alex Pretti

A 37-year-old intensive care nurse for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Minneapolis who was fatally shot by ICE agents on January 24, 2026.

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The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the risks that healthcare workers, especially those serving vulnerable populations, can face in the line of duty. The vigil is an important opportunity to honor Pretti's memory and call for greater protections and support for those who dedicate their careers to caring for others.