Alex Pretti’s death triggered a wave of outrage and protests in Minneapolis. Among those who took to the streets, one man stood out and quickly went viral: Mike Medvec, a resident of the city, is a gun owner and supporter of the security forces, but critical of federal intervention.
Mike Medvec was alone at home when he saw the images of the moment Alex Pretti was shot. The reaction was immediate.
“I’m still very emotional about this. I saw the images and thought: I can’t just stay here. What am I going to do?”
He decided to join the street protests. A gesture and a few words took Mike from an unknown protester to a success on social media in seconds.
“Anyone with a little heart would have helped. And if I was helping, it could have been me. Helping could have put me in the line of fire.”
The sentence was said live on local television and an emotional hug followed with the journalist.
Despite describing himself as someone who supports the police and the military, Mike explained that he firmly rejects what he considers to be an exaggeration in the actions of federal authorities.
“I cried when I saw what they did to my neighborhood. I pray that everyone stays vigilant, because I don’t want to see this happen to my city again.”
Mike Medvec makes a point of saying that his personal story shaped the way he looks at the suffering of others. And he celebrates having managed to free himself from drug addiction 39 years ago.
“When we see people struggling, whether with addiction or with life, we start to care.”
Despite the pride in the city’s response, Minneapolis residents do not forget the lives lost.
