HCDP Issues Statement, Community Plans FEB 1 Vigil in Wake of Alex Pretti Killing

The leaders of the Henderson County Democratic Party have released the following statement regarding the most recent killing of an American citizen by federal agents in Minnesota

(Scroll down for information on a community vigil on Sunday, February 1.)

The Henderson County Democratic Party stands with all Americans who are shocked, saddened and angered by the murder of US citizen Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota 

We have serious concerns about American citizens being killed by our government, and it has happened twice now within a few weeks. We are outraged by the administration’s handling of both cases and their ongoing lies. They continue to insist that what we can see with our own eyes is false, and what they say is true. Thanks to the many people who took video of the event, we know the truth. And the truth is that Alex Pretti was murdered. 

We are also alarmed about ICE agents shooting American citizens with impunity and about federal armed forces being sent in to occupy our cities and towns. And we are concerned that mayors and governors have to sue the Administration in order to protect the people of America from our own government. 

Here in Henderson County, we might feel that Minneapolis is far away and that nothing like that could happen here. But Americans were killed in Minnesota and we are all Americans. It could happen anywhere. 

And as Americans, we have to work together to resolve these issues. How can we do that?

We must demand an independent investigation into the shootings, with the release to the public of all evidence and findings.  We must require that the agents who murdered these citizens are held accountable for their actions. And we can ask that our representatives in Congress stand up to the president. 

But most of all, we must get involved. We can continue to hold rallies and protests. We can contact our State and Federal Representatives. And we can support candidates who will fight FOR all of us, not against us, and for our democracy, not for an autocrat. 

Signed,  HCDP Officers

Linda Ford, Chair; Drake English, 1^st Vice Chair; Lori Axelrod, 2^nd Vice Chair; Carolann Connor, 3^rd Vice Chair; Sally Haas, Treasurer; Toryn Stewart, Secretary 

Community Vigil Set for February 1

We would also like to share the following information about a community vigil organized by PERSIST of Henderson County.  Candles will be provided. For more information and to stay up to date with future rallies and vigils, please join the PERSIST Facebook Group.  Weather updates will also be available through the group. HCDP is not the organizer of this event.

As always, we remind attendees to practice non-violence and peaceful demonstration in keeping with our values and to serve as a stark contrast to the atrocities we have witnessed. HCDP steadfastly condemns violence of any kind

• WHAT: Visibility & Solidarity Rally for Alex Pretti

• WHEN: FEB 1, 2026, 4pm to 5 pm

• WHERE: “Boyd Park” (Google Maps Link): the greenspace between the two lanes of US BUS 25 (N. Main and Church) right as it divides north of town. This is downhill from the new fire station and between Pop’s Diner and Hendersonville High School. See photo below.

• PARKING: Parking spaces are available along Hwy 25. Parking may also be available at the VFW or the lower end of the Apotheca parking lot. 

• WEATHER UPDATES: Join the PERSIST Facebook Group to get the latest information

The vigil will be held in the grassy area with the flag and black marker just below the fire station and in between Pop's Diner and Hendersonville High School. There are sidewalks along the street.