The family of Alex Pretti, the man who was shot and killed by federal officers in Minneapolis, is speaking out and hitting back at claims made about the ICU nurse.

In a statement, obtained by CNN, Pretti’s loved ones began, “We are heartbroken but also very angry.”

“Alex was a kindhearted soul who cared deeply for his family and friends, and also the American veterans whom he cared for as an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital,” they continued. “Alex wanted to make a difference in this world. Unfortunately, he will not be with us to see his impact.”

Pretti’s family then gave more insight into his final moments, indicating that he may have been attempting to “protect a woman” before he was fatally shot.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The scene of the Minneapolis shooting on Jan. 24.Arthur Maiorella/Anadolu via Getty

The family next took aim at the United States’ leadership under President Donald Trump, writing in their statement, “The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting.”

Tricia McLaughlin, the assistant secretary for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), alleged in a statement to PEOPLE that Pretti “approached” U.S. Border Patrol officers while armed with a handgun and “violently resisted” as they attempted to disarm him.

She said an agent then fired “defensive shots.” Pretty was 37.

Related Stories

VA Doctor Remembers Alex Pretti, 37-Year-Old Man Killed by ICE, as ‘Kind and Helpful’ ICU Nurse (Exclusive)

Federal Agent Reportedly Said ‘Boo Hoo’ After Minneapolis Man Was Shot Dead, Mayor Asks ‘How Many More Americans Need to Die?’

During a press conference after the shooting, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara was questioned about the DHS’ account of the incident. He referred to footage captured from the scene, stating, “The video speaks for itself.”

Pretti’s family also questioned the DHS’ account, writing in their statement, “Alex is clearly not holding a gun when attacked by Trump’s murdering and cowardly ICE thugs.”

“He has his phone in his right hand and his empty left hand is raised above his head while trying to protect the woman ICE just pushed down, all while being pepper-sprayed,” they continued, then concluding: “Please get the truth out about our son. He was a good man. Thank you.”

Alex Pretti.va.gov

McLaughlin’s statement to PEOPLE said “DHS law enforcement officers were conducting a targeted operation in Minneapolis against an illegal alien wanted for violent assault” at around 9:00 a.m. local time on Jan. 24.

At least 200 protesters arrived near the scene of the shooting soon after, The Associated Press reported, leading to confrontations between federal law enforcement and locals.

During the Jan. 24 press conference, O’Hara said preliminary details about the incident suggested that there was “more than one law enforcement officer involved in the discharge.” He also pointed to “public video that shows several law enforcement officers in a scuffle with someone.”

Pretti’s nursing license, obtained by PEOPLE, shows he had been a registered nurse since January 2021 and previously worked at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.