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ellipticalnight.bsky.social
aaron boothby
@ellipticalnight.bsky.social
2.1K followers 680 following 13K posts
mostly poet, preferably tree or rock

https://linktr.ee/aaronboothby
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ellipticalnight.bsky.social
also if it helps to imagine anyone being tossed into it, know it helps me a little
January 25, 2026 at 2:47 AM
Reposted by aaron boothby
faineg.bsky.social
Absolute banger of a comment on r/military:

www.reddit.com/r/Military/c...
jaderemedy • 4h ago And now comes the most nauseating part of this whole goddamn mess: the hypocrisy. The same loud-mouthed idiots who spent years screaming about tyranny are suddenly dead fucking silent, or worse, cheering, now that it's their side doing it. "ThEy'Re cOminG fOr OuR gUnS!" "GoVerNMenT oVerReAch!" "ShAll nOt bE inFrinGeD!" All that chest-thumping bullshit evaporated the second armed federal agents started terrorizing people they don't like. Let me get this straight: a civilian gets shot dead by federal agents, and the only thing you brainless cunts can muster is "well, DHS says he had a gun"? THAT'S your red line? Guns are sacred when they're strapped to your waist, but magically become a death sentence when they're used as a post-hoc excuse by the government? Either the Second Amendment applies to everyone, or you never believed in it at all. Fucking pick one and own it. This is exactly what tyranny looks like, by the way. Not jackboots marching in formation, but armed agents roaming neighborhoods, stopping people, killing civilians, and then daring the public to question it. Tyranny is execution followed by a press release. Tyranny is labeling the dead a "threat" so the state doesn't have to explain why someone's life just ended in the street. Tyranny is demanding obedience while shredding due process and calling it order. And all you so-called "freedom lovers" are fucking fine with it, as long as it's brown people, immigrants, protesters, or anyone you've already dehumanized. Turns out "don't tread on me" actually meant "tread on them." You weren't afraid of tyranny. You were afraid of losing dominance. There's a difference, and this moment exposes it completely. "Just comply" isn't a principle. It's cowardice dressed up as common sense. It's the language of people who have already accepted that the state gets to decide who deserves rights and who doesn't. And once you make that deal, don't act shocked when the line moves, because it always fuckin…
January 25, 2026 at 1:33 AM
Reposted by aaron boothby
chrisgeidner.bsky.social
BREAKING: A young doctor who lives near where Alex Pretti, a nurse, was killed by ICE says in a declaration he saw the shooting, went out to help, was not let through at first then patted down before being let by, and was apparently the first to try and provide any medical assistance to Pretti.
1. 1 am a 29-year-old resident of the lin Minneapolis, Minnesota. I have lived in Minneapolis since 2024, when I moved to the city to begin my medical residency. I am a licensed pediatrician, and I have been practicing pediatric medicine in the city since I moved here. 2. On January 24, 2026, at approximately 9:00 am CST, I was awoken by the sound of cars honking and whistles blowing. Shortly after I awoke, I heard screaming from outside my window. I saw several ICE agents and civilians yelling at each other. 3. One civilian was standing in front of a parked car on the side of the road. I saw him yelling at the ICE agents, but I did not see him attack the agents or brandish a weapon of any kind 4. Suddenly, an ICE agent shoved him to the ground. My view of the altercation was partially obstructed, but after a few seconds, I saw at least four ICE agents point guns at the man. I then saw the agents shoot the man at least six or seven times. 5. Initially, I was stunned. From what I could see from my apartment, there was absolutely no need for any violence, let alone lethal force by multiple officers. I immediately put on my boots and coat, ran outside, and approached ICE agents who were near the victim. 6. The scene was chaotic. Many civilians were screaming and honking. Over the noise, I informed the ICE agents that I am a physician, and I asked to assess the victim. 7. At first, the ICE agents wouldn't let me through. They repeatedly asked me for my physician's license, which I obviously didn't have. But none of the ICE agents who were near the victim were performing CPR, and I could tell that the victim was in critical condition. I insisted that the agents let me assess him. Normally, I would not have been so persistent, but as a physician, I felt a professional and moral obligation to help this man, especially since none of the agents were helping him. 8. Finally, one agent agreed to let me assess the victim. He patted me down to "make sure I didn't have a weapon" and then let me approach the victim. 9. As I approached, I saw that the victim was lying on his side and was surrounded by several ICE agents. I was confused as to why the victim was on his side, because that is not standard practice when a victim has been shot. Checking for a pulse and administering CPR is standard practice. Instead of doing either of those things, the ICE agents appeared to be counting his bullet wounds. 10.1 asked the ICE agents if the victim had a pulse, and they said they did not know. I then asked the agents to make space so I could assess the victim. 11. The victim had at least three bullet wounds in his back. I asked the ICE agents to turn the victim from his side to his back. From that position, I saw an additional gunshot wound on the victim's upper left chest and another possible gunshot wound on his neck. 12. I checked for a pulse, but I did not feel one. I immediately began CPR. Shortly after I started compressions, EMS personnel arrived and took over. 13.1 remained at the scene for about five more minutes, but protesters began to gather and the situation seemed to be escalating, so I left and returned to my apartment. 14. When I returned to my apartment, I was extremely distraught. I was sobbing and shaking uncontrollably. Eventually, I called my sister, who lives in a nearby suburb. I called her for comfort and because I did not feel safe in my apartment; I wanted to see if I could stay with her for the day and maybe even a few days. 15.1 also sought advice from a friend who works for the City of Minneapolis. He recommended that I shelter in place because the situation outside my apartment was so dangerous. I was going to follow his advice, but then ICE agents deployed tear gas on the crowd that had gathered below, and the tear gas began seeping into my apartment.
January 25, 2026 at 1:57 AM
Reposted by aaron boothby
mauratwit.bsky.social
This happened on my block too. Everyone just filtered out of their homes.

If you see big crowds, know they are representing tons of little groups around the cities.

We just came outside to quietly be together. Holding the light.
stvfltchr.bsky.social Steve @stvfltchr.bsky.social · 1h
We had such a moving vigil on my corner. Held a long moment of silence, introduced ourselves to each other. I thought we might be standing out there on our own (it wasn’t advertised by anyone as a planned spot) but ended up in a circle with 20 other people who are all doing stuff for community.
January 25, 2026 at 1:51 AM
ellipticalnight.bsky.social
it's worth saying again that george floyd was also a good person doing the best he could for his community when he was murdered by the state, as were many others
January 25, 2026 at 1:58 AM
Reposted by aaron boothby
darkfinance.bsky.social
The white boy doesnt need to be Mother Theresa. He was innocent regardless.
January 24, 2026 at 10:53 PM
Reposted by aaron boothby
badideas.bsky.social
A video of Alex Pretti reading out the final salute of an unnamed veteran he cared for until the end of his life in the ICU, posted to Facebook by his son.
January 25, 2026 at 1:18 AM
Reposted by aaron boothby
maladroithe.bsky.social
“You shall not wrong or oppress a stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” Exodus 22:20
January 25, 2026 at 1:50 AM
Reposted by aaron boothby
melbuer.bsky.social
I’m out here in Los Angeles, where hundreds have gathered in response to the ICE execution of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. Chants and speeches underway here outside the Federal Building in DTLA. Working multiple cameras today so posts may be sparse
January 25, 2026 at 1:23 AM
Reposted by aaron boothby
rincewind.run
as a parent I cannot imagine how absolutely fucking heartbreaking and awful it must be to have to put out a statement like this because the federal government killed your son and is telling monstrous lies about him
jeffrueter.bsky.social Jeff Rueter @jeffrueter.bsky.social · 2h
Kare 11 local news just read, in full, this statement from Michael and Susan Pretti, the parents of Alex Pretti.

"Please get the truth out about our son."
Statement from Michael and Susan Pretti Parents of Alex Jeffrey Pretti “We are heartbroken but also very angry. Alex was a kindhearted soul who cared deeply for his family and friends and also the American veterans whom he cared for as an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital. Alex wanted to make a difference in this world. Unfortunately, he will not be with us to see his impact. I do not throw around the ‘hero’ term lightly. However, his last thought and act was to protect a woman. The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting. Alex is clearly not holding a gun when attacked by Trump’s murdering and cowardly ICE thugs. He had his phone in his right hand and his empty left hand is raised above his head while trying to protect the woman ICE just pushed down, all while being pepper sprayed. Please get the truth out about our son. He was a good man. Thank you.
January 25, 2026 at 1:05 AM
Reposted by aaron boothby
sjonespoet.bsky.social
😢
jeffrueter.bsky.social Jeff Rueter @jeffrueter.bsky.social · 2h
Kare 11 local news just read, in full, this statement from Michael and Susan Pretti, the parents of Alex Pretti.

"Please get the truth out about our son."
Statement from Michael and Susan Pretti Parents of Alex Jeffrey Pretti “We are heartbroken but also very angry. Alex was a kindhearted soul who cared deeply for his family and friends and also the American veterans whom he cared for as an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital. Alex wanted to make a difference in this world. Unfortunately, he will not be with us to see his impact. I do not throw around the ‘hero’ term lightly. However, his last thought and act was to protect a woman. The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting. Alex is clearly not holding a gun when attacked by Trump’s murdering and cowardly ICE thugs. He had his phone in his right hand and his empty left hand is raised above his head while trying to protect the woman ICE just pushed down, all while being pepper sprayed. Please get the truth out about our son. He was a good man. Thank you.
January 25, 2026 at 12:50 AM
Reposted by aaron boothby
aflcio.org
America’s unions mourn the senseless killing by federal agents of our AFGE Local 3669 union brother and VA nurse Alex Jeffrey Pretti.

We reiterate our call for ICE to immediately leave Minnesota before anyone else is hurt or killed.
https://bit.ly/4pVTpFO
AFL-CIO Mourns Killing of Minneapolis Union Member, Reiterates Calls for ICE to Leave Minnesota: The AFL-CIO mourns the senseless killing of another Minneapolis resident by federal agents. Alex Jeffrey Pretti was a VA intensive care unit nurse and a member of AFGE Local 3669—a brother in our union family. Our thoughts are with Alex’s loved ones, his union siblings, and the people of Minneapolis at this devastating time. As tens of thousands of Minnesotans made clear peacefully and powerfully yesterday, the Trump administration’s horrific operation—and their actions aimed at stoking violence and chaos—must end. America’s unions join the call for ICE to immediately leave Minnesota before anyone else is hurt or killed. We demand local authorities conduct a full, transparent investigation that will lead to accountability for this tragic and violent act, and for Congress to use its power to hold ICE accountable.
January 25, 2026 at 12:22 AM
Reposted by aaron boothby
alyssaharad.bsky.social
Women and children detainees at Dilley walked out in protest and solidarity with Liam Ramos and Alex Pretti.
fack.bsky.social [SCUTTLEBUTT] @fack.bsky.social · 3h
There's a prison revolt at a concentration camp in Texas in solidarity with Minneapolis:
January 25, 2026 at 12:37 AM
Reposted by aaron boothby
duckworth.senate.gov
Public executions at the hands of the government should never happen in “the land of the free.”

Not one more taxpayer dollar for Trump’s DHS, CBP or ICE.
January 24, 2026 at 11:24 PM
Reposted by aaron boothby
premthakker.bsky.social
New: Alex Pretti, the man killed by the Trump-Vance mob of agents was an outdoorsmen, a mountain biker, an ICU nurse who "would go out of his way to help," say Veterans Affairs colleagues.

Cheerful. Funny. Gentle.

And still, per sources, Trump officials are urging staff to call him a "terrorist."
DHS Shooting Victim in Minneapolis Was a ‘Sweet’ and ‘Principled Person’
Zeteo spoke with two doctors who worked with Alex Pretti, a nurse who is the latest victim of Trump’s violent invasion of Minnesota.
zeteo.com
January 24, 2026 at 10:07 PM
Reposted by aaron boothby
atrupar.com
Van Hollen: "They really think the American people are stupid. I mean, we can all see the video. We saw the video with Renee Good. We saw the video with Alex Pretti. The real domestic terrorists are in the White House right now."
January 25, 2026 at 12:20 AM
ellipticalnight.bsky.social
expel him from the party don't fucking care, worthless piece of shit
January 25, 2026 at 12:03 AM
ellipticalnight.bsky.social
they will lie as they always do but there is clear video of exactly what happened, with the gun in an agent's hand before the murderer circled and fired, and it was an execution. incontestable, clear as anything. there is nothing else it was or could be.
January 24, 2026 at 11:56 PM
Reposted by aaron boothby
taliajane.bsky.social
Vigil at 26 & Nicollet for Alex Pretti who was murdered by CBP earlier today. Moments earlier an attendee recited the mourners’ kaddish.
January 24, 2026 at 11:44 PM
Reposted by aaron boothby
bencollins.bsky.social
Imagine what’s happening in the camps.
adamserwer.bsky.social Adam Serwer @adamserwer.bsky.social · 4h
Imagine how much they’d be lying about what happened without all the videos showing it from multiple angles.
January 24, 2026 at 11:29 PM
Reposted by aaron boothby
isaacpickell.bsky.social
ICE out before the eleventh hour all over again.
REVOLUTIONARY LETTER #100 REALITY IS NO OBSTACLE refuse to obey refuse to die refuse to sleep refuse to turn away refuse to close your eyes refuse to shut your ears refuse silence when you can still sing refuse discourse in lieu of embracement come to no end that is not a Beginning Diane di Prima
January 24, 2026 at 10:04 PM
Reposted by aaron boothby
aklingus.bsky.social
I agree that we can’t make Alex Pretti a Benedictine monk because that’s a trap, but we can talk about the good things we did because people will see and hear them and think “I do those things too”
January 24, 2026 at 11:28 PM
Reposted by aaron boothby
upfromsumdirt.bsky.social
"For the master’s tool will never dismantle the master’s house. They may allow us temporarily to beat him at his own game, but they will never enable us to bring about genuine change. & this fact is only threatening to those women who still define the master’s house as their only source of support"
black and white photo of audre lorde with a medium-size afro and wearing dark clothing oversized in the sleeves.
January 24, 2026 at 11:17 PM
Reposted by aaron boothby
markpopham.bsky.social
people who are very clearly my moral superiors are being killed in the street by and on behalf of the most disgusting creeps imaginable and I don't know how much longer anyone can deal with this
brandyzadrozny.bsky.social Brandy Zadrozny @brandyzadrozny.bsky.social · 5h
Alex Pretti "used to tell people off when they made sexist comments to female physicians. He bought me coffee when I had a really bad day as an intern...I laughed alongside him daily. He made a point to teach medical residents without judgement, but with a smile on his face and a joke."
January 24, 2026 at 10:43 PM
Reposted by aaron boothby
danhinkel.bsky.social
Worth noting that one reason you’re benefitting so fully from the Star-Tribune’s timely, extensive coverage of unfolding events is that it’s a metro newspaper that hasn’t been systematically starved to further enrich shareholders and executives.
January 24, 2026 at 10:47 PM