EFN Press Release
Brussels, 25 January 2026
The European Federation of Nurses Associations (EFN) joins the American Nurses Association (ANA) and all the international nursing community in expressing great regret for the tragic death of Alex Pretti, a nurse in Minneapolis.
EFN fully supports Alex's family, colleagues in the Veterans Health Administration, and the entire American nursing community.
The death of Mr Pretti affects us deeply. When a nurse, a professional dedicated to protecting life and caring for the most vulnerable, is killed in violent circumstances, the entire global nursing community feels concerned.
EFN unreservedly condemn all forms of violence, whether systemic, institutional or conflict-related. Nurses are peacemakers, not targets, and they must be able to defend human rights and make their voices heard without facing violence or death. Alex was a defender of his community; his loss is a terrible reminder of the risks faced by those who expose themselves to the collective good.
As EFN, we join the call for a full and transparent investigation. There is no health without justice, no cure possible in a world that responds to social distress with armed violence. We therefore stand committed to supporting initiatives to protect nurses from violence and to promote environments based on mutual respect and peace.
At a time of growing global tensions, we reaffirm our role as healthcare professionals committed to defending human dignity and the right to security for all.