January 24, 2026
Media contact: Dorie Turner Nolt, dorie.turner@gmail.com, 404-861-1127
American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 252, which represents more than 2,700 U.S. Department of Education current and former employees, released the following statement from AFGE Local 252 President Rachel Gittleman:
Department of Education Union President, Rachel Gittleman, condemns the murder of Alex Pretti–a Department of Veterans Affairs nurse and a member of AFGE 3669–by agents of the United States government currently engaged in the unlawful occupation of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
“We share in the grief of our neighbors and our AFGE siblings at this vicious, intentional killing. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Alex’s family and friends, and to his colleagues at the VA. Alex represented the spirit of service, empathy, and selflessness that we all hold dear.
Alex was murdered for doing his part to bring accountability to an unlawful and unjust occupation.
Like each and every Federal employee, we swore an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. We are reminded–and remind our colleagues–that loyalty to this oath has been the bedrock of Federal employees’ service to the nation, and our ability to advance the interests of the United States and its people.
To swear this oath falsely is a crime. To violate it, whether once or repeatedly, is an outrage.
Justice, and our oaths, demand an immediate, thorough, independent investigation of Alex’s murder and accountability for the responsible parties—up and down the chain of command. We will not be silent.”
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AFGE Local 252 