The Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN) is heartbroken by the fatal shooting of nurse Alex Jeffrey Pretti on Saturday, January 24, in Minneapolis.

Medical-surgical nurses should never be expected to tolerate violence, threatening behavior, or harmful language—whether in the workplace or within their communities. We believe communities are healthier and stronger when nurses are safe and supported as advocates for change.

Nurses, like all people, deserve to feel safe where they live and work.

AMSN joins fellow nursing and healthcare organizations in extending our sincerest condolences to Alex’s loved ones, nursing colleagues, and all who knew him.

Violence is never the answer.

AMSN calls for the protection of nurses in all advocacy efforts and in caring for patients and communities.

We stand together with nurses across the country in grief and solidarity, and we reaffirm that our collective voice, grounded in compassion and advocacy, is stronger than violence.