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kevinharding.ca
kevin
@kevinharding.ca
610 followers 2.2K following 730 posts
Public policy nerd, co-op believer, photographer, wannabe polyglot. I talk a lot about co-ops, policy, laws, legislation, economies, and more.

📍 Vancouver, unceded Coast Salish land

【EN/FR/廣東話/中文】

Views here are my own and do not represent my employer.
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Reposted by kevin
carlbergstrom.com
I was a sensitive kid. I loved cats. I had OCD, undiagnosed.

When I was 9, a fraternity brother tortured a cat to death in my hometown. The details even now are beyond imagination. archive.is/xdmUL

I was traumatized for years from reading the news story.

The torturer? Now the head of the NRA.
January 25, 2026 at 4:55 AM
Reposted by kevin
maddenifico.bsky.social
Imagine. Just fucking imagine. 😳👇
January 10, 2026 at 3:35 AM
Reposted by kevin
whstancil.bsky.social
There are just the loveliest little candlelight vigils for Alex Pretti being held all over Uptown right now. People building little candle memorials on street corners in the snow. This city is in pain but we will win together
January 25, 2026 at 1:41 AM
Reposted by kevin
dell.bsky.social
the r/nursing subreddit altered its profile picture to feature Alex Pretti, seen in scrubs by an american flag.
January 25, 2026 at 5:55 AM
Reposted by kevin
rexhuppke.bsky.social
It’s crucial that networks with Sunday morning shows not let Republicans lie about what happened today. Interrupt them, cut their mics, cut away. It’s reckless and inaccurate to let them spin a murder. The video is clear. I don’t expect this to happen, but the journalistic imperative is clear.
January 25, 2026 at 4:28 AM
Reposted by kevin
kyledcheney.bsky.social
Since July, I've tracked at least 2,300 cases in which federal judges have ruled ICE has illegally detained people without bond or due process.

This is one that stands out:
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
January 25, 2026 at 2:36 AM
Reposted by kevin
wikisteff.bsky.social
"If you release the voting information we need to cheat the upcoming election, I am confident these simple steps will help bring back law and order to Minnesota."
natashakorecki.bsky.social Natasha Korecki @natashakorecki.bsky.social · 7h
In the wake of another fatal shooting in Minneapolis.
AG Pam Bondi sends Gov. Walz a letter today making several asks including:
"Allow DOJ Civil Rights division access to state voter rolls"
January 25, 2026 at 2:48 AM
Reposted by kevin
sharonk.bsky.social
Apropos of nothing, remembering the old Chinese author Lu Xun:

“Lies written in ink cannot disguise facts written in blood.”

― Lu Xun
a photo of Lu Xun
January 25, 2026 at 12:53 AM
Reposted by kevin
youranoncentral.bsky.social
Statement from the family of Alex Pretti, Michael and Susan Pretti:
#3E #GoodvsEvil
Statement from the family of Alex Pretti, Michael and Susan 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 has 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. Alex Pretti in nurse scrubs, smiling
January 25, 2026 at 1:53 AM
kevinharding.ca
Instead of rendering aid to the person they shot, the ICE goons were counting bullet wounds.
chrisgeidner.bsky.social Chris Geidner @chrisgeidner.bsky.social · 4h
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 kevin
badideas.bsky.social
Originally posted on Facebook here @monsterbeard.bsky.social www.facebook.com/reel/1705089...
6.9K views · 3.6K reactions | RIP Alex Pretti, he was my Dads ICU nurse, he read my dad’s final salut at the VA after he passed away. Never wanted to share this video but his speech is very on point....
RIP Alex Pretti, he was my Dads ICU nurse, he read my dad’s final salut at the VA after he passed away. Never wanted to share this video but his speech is very on point. Also my Fathers final words.....
www.facebook.com
January 25, 2026 at 1:42 AM
Reposted by kevin
badideas.bsky.social
Text of the video posted by Mac Randolph “Never wanted to share this video but his speech is very on point.”
Mac Randolph RIP Alex Pretti, he was my Dads ICU nurse, he read my dad's final salut at the VA after he passed away. Never wanted to share this video but his speech is very on point. Also my Fathers final words to me was continue to fight the good fight. He would be honored in Alex' sacrifice, and ashamed of this current administration. In my Dads words I encourage you all to continue to "fight the good fight"
January 25, 2026 at 1:20 AM
Reposted by kevin
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 kevin
mikeelk.bsky.social
Alex Pretti was a union member of AFGE Local 3699

His murder increases the likelihood of another general strike in Minneapolis.

My newsletter looks at what’s next as labor responds to his murder by ICE agent
Alex Pretti Was a Union Member - Another General Strike Now Likely - NBA Game Cancellation Could Spur Player Walkout Again
Alex Pretti was an ICE nurse at the Minneapolis VA and, according to AFGE, a union member of AFGE Local 3669.
paydayreport.com
January 24, 2026 at 11:48 PM
kevinharding.ca
My god
January 25, 2026 at 1:36 AM
Reposted by kevin
joshtpm.bsky.social
lol NRA
January 25, 2026 at 12:46 AM
Reposted by kevin
chrismurphyct.bsky.social
Pam Bondi just sent a letter to Minnesota officials saying ICE will leave if the state turns over its voter database to Trump.

Guess what? This has never been about safety or immigration. It’s a pretext for Trump to take over elections in swing states.
January 25, 2026 at 12:35 AM
Reposted by kevin
jeffrueter.bsky.social
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 12:43 AM
Reposted by kevin
socialistdogmom.bsky.social
this reminds me of the way i’ve seen susan bro speak about her daughter, heather heyer. when a fascist murders your child, you aren’t allowed to just grieve. you have to defend their memory, even their very grave.
jeffrueter.bsky.social Jeff Rueter @jeffrueter.bsky.social · 5h
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 1:10 AM
Reposted by kevin
reichlinmelnick.bsky.social
You have to read this. Firsthand affidavit from one of the women who was there and recording the video. She talks about how Alex Pretti was directing traffic when she arrived. She watched him be killed in front of her. She's afraid to go home, worried she'll be arrested.
1. I am a resident of the Whittier neighborhood of Minneapolis, Minnesota. I am over 18 years of age. I am a children's entertainer who specializes in face painting. 2. On Saturday, January 24, 2026, at about 8:50 am, I was getting ready to go to work when I heard whistles outside. I knew the whistles meant that ICE agents were in the area, so I decided to check it out on my way to work. I've been involved in observing in my community because it is so important to document what ICE is doing to my neighbors. Connecting to your local community and knowing who your neighbors are is something I profoundly value. 3. I drove to Nicollet Ave. and 26th where I could hear the whistles coming from. I turned south onto Nicollet. There were already several ICE agents there and they'd set up a sort of vehicle convoy on Nicollet and 28th. There were also about 15 observers there, recording and observing ICE. 4. I saw ICE agents surrounding cars and punching car windows. I also saw them stopping vehicles further down Nicollet, so I backed up because I didn't feel safe continuing on. 5. I noticed a man sort of acting to help traffic move more smoothly. He helped me find a place to park. I got out with my whistle and my camera. I went over to him and said something like, "I'm going to film and use my whistle." 6. It seemed like most ICE activity was happening a little farther down the street from us, near 27th. Someone was being thrown to the ground. 7. I started recording. There was an agent by a car across the street. Two observers were a few feet away from the agent, blowing their whistles. One was wearing a backpack. 8. I and the man who was observing and helping direct traffic were standing in the street. There was a phone in the man's hand recording a video. 9. An agent approached and asked us to back up, so I moved slowly back onto the sidewalk. 10. The man stayed in the street, filming as the other observers I mentioned earlier were being forced backward by another ICE agent threatening them with pepper spray. The man went closer to support them as they got threatened, just with his camera out. I didn't see him reach for or hold a gun. 11. Then the ICE agent shoved one of the other observers to the ground. Then he started pepper spraying all three of them directly in the face and all over. The man with the phone put his hands above his head and the agent sprayed him again and pushed him. 12. Then the man tried to help up the woman the ICE agent had shoved to the ground. The ICE agents just kept spraying. More agents came over and grabbed the man who was still trying to help the woman get up. All three of the observers looked to have been badly affected by the pepper spray. I could feel the pepper spray in my eyes. 13. The agents pulled the man on the ground. I didn't see him touch any of them-he wasn't even turned toward them. It didn't look like he was trying to resist, just trying to help the woman up. I didn't see him with a gun. They threw him to the ground. Four or five agents had him on the ground and they just started shooting him. They shot him so many times. 14.1 don't know why they shot him. He was only helping. I was five feet from him and they just shot him. 15. The video I recorded of what happened accurately depicts the events leading up to the agents shooting him and several minutes afterwards. The video is attached as Exhibit 1. 16. I have read the statement from DHS about what happened and it is wrong. The man did not approach the agents with a gun. He approached them with a camera. He was just trying to help a woman get up and they took him to the ground. 17. I feel afraid. Only hours have passed since they shot a man right in front me and I don't feel like I can go home because I heard agents were looking for me. I don't know what the agents will do when they find me. I do know that they're not telling the truth about what happened. I've heard that other witnesses might have been arrested and taken to the Whipple Building. 18. I am disgusted and gutted at how they are treating my neighbors and my state. I keep alternating between crying and feeling determined it is important to remember the value of documenting injustice. We show up for the people who need us to bear witness, because it can't just be one group of people bearing the brunt of their tyranny. This is a struggle to protect our freedom and democracy, those things are on the line. He lost his life for those values. I declare under penalty of perjury that everything I have stated in this document is true and correct. Dated and signed on Jan 24, 2026 in Hennepin County, State of Minnesota.
January 25, 2026 at 1:15 AM
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adamserwer.bsky.social
I said this last time but their real position is “if you disagree with us we can kill you.”
January 24, 2026 at 11:56 PM
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ardathjean.bsky.social
Multiple reports that ICE is highly active at the Calais Maine border crossing snd they are taking FN folks into custody (if you don’t have a blood quantum letter).
January 25, 2026 at 12:23 AM
Reposted by kevin
musicologyduck.bsky.social
DHS agents gathering in greater numbers
January 25, 2026 at 12:23 AM
Reposted by kevin
kylegriffin1.bsky.social
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans says his team arrived on the scene of the shooting to conduct an independent investigation and "were blocked by federal agents with the Department of Homeland Security."
January 24, 2026 at 9:40 PM
Reposted by kevin
carlquintanilla.bsky.social
“.. He cared about people deeply ..,” said Michael Pretti, Alex’s father. “He thought it was terrible, you know, kidnapping children, just grabbing people off the street. He cared about those people, and he knew it was wrong ..”

@washingtonpost.com
www.washingtonpost.com/national/202...
January 24, 2026 at 10:22 PM