Thank you to everyone who showed up at the vigil in front of the VA to honor the life and memory of our fallen brother, Alex Pretti. This tragedy reached national headlines, and rightly so. Alex deserved to be seen, remembered, and honored.

Endless gratitude goes out to the many unions and allies who stood with us in solidarity. Your presence mattered. This vigil sent an important message: violence against workers—against federal employees—will not be ignored.

It is deeply sad and disappointing that more AFGE members did not show up in support. Alex was not just a headline. He was a coworker, a nurse, a union member, and a human being. He deserved our collective presence, our voices, and our unity.

This was a brutal and unnecessary murder, and it demands attention and justice. Now is not the time for silence or self-interest. Federal employees are being targeted, and the violence and mistreatment must stop.

If not now—when?
If not us—who?

We owe Alex more than words. We owe him action.

In Solidarity