SPOKANE, Wash. – A group of local clergy members has returned to Spokane after spending several days in Minnesota. They were there to help people emotionally heal following fatal shootings involving immigration agents.
On Saturday, Congressman Michael Baumgartner, a Republican from the 5th District, responded on X to a video circulating online of an ICE agent shooting and killing Alex Pretti. He emphasized the importance of providing the American people and Congress with a better understanding of immigration enforcement.
Baumgartner urged public officials to make responsible, fact-based statements that do not inflame the situation. The congressman did not provide further comments, but we will share new information as it becomes available.
One returning clergy member expressed admiration for the thousands of protesters who crossed party lines to stand together in Minnesota.
Dr. Jer Swigart, a local clergy member, said, “But what I also saw what were Democrats and Republicans standing next to one another saying enough. I watched clergy and people of faith across traditions, across creeds, stand up together in a unified, unified, nonviolent voice saying enough.”
Alex Pretti was an ICU nurse. Later this week, local healthcare workers will join others nationwide for a peaceful protest in Spokane. The protest will include a march from Riverfront Park to the county courthouse.
