The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) has expressed its deep shock and sorrow at the fatal shooting of intensive care nurse Alex Pretti, during an incident involving ICE agents in Minneapolis.

The ANMF stands with our colleagues across borders in condemning the shooting of Mr Pretti and has called for accountability, transparency and justice in ensuring that his tragic death is properly and independently investigated by US authorities.

Nurses around the world dedicate their lives to caring for others in their communities.

The violent death of a registered nurse is an intolerable breach of the fundamental respect and dignity owed to health professionals who serve the community each and every day.

An attack on one nurse is an attack on the global nursing community.

It’s why the ANMF, on behalf of its members across Australia, denounces this abhorrent act of lethal force which took Mr Pretti’s life.

His death is deeply disturbing to us all.

As the International Council of Nurses (ICN) has repeatedly emphasised, no nurse should ever fear for their life because of their profession, their identity, or the circumstances in which they live and work.

We must ensure that no nurse’s life is ever again cut short in such violent circumstances in the future.

The ANMF, with over 345,000 members, is the industrial and professional voice for nurses, midwives and carers in Australia. 

ANMF statement authorised by Annie Butler, ANMF Federal Secretary. 1/365 Queen St, Melbourne.