Cyclists ride through downtown Milwaukee to honor Alex Pretti

MIKWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Dozens of cyclists rode through downtown Milwaukee on Saturday, Jan. 31, to honor Alex Pretti, a man shot and killed by border patrol officers in Minneapolis one week ago.

The ride for Alex Pretti was part of a series of bike rides taking place across the country. Riders gathered outside Milwaukee City Hall before completing a lap together in Pretti’s memory.

Organizers said the Milwaukee ride was connected to a nationwide movement opposing Immigration and Customs Enforcement and honoring people who have lost their lives.

Groups based in Minneapolis helped organize the effort, partnering locally with Riverwest24 - a community bike race Pretti previously participated in.

Lucas Penzeymoog, one of the riders, said he felt compelled to attend.

“What they’re doing is state sponsored violence with the killing of Alex Pretti, Renee Good, and countless others not to mention the irreparable harm they’re doing to our immigrant communities,” he said. “So I figured I had to be out here and send a message that it’s not ok.”

Another rider, Sawyer Hopps, said Pretti’s connection to Milwaukee made the ride especially meaningful.

“He had come to Milwaukee to participate in the Riverwest24 bike race, something that my friends and I have all done,” he said. “That event is really centered around building community and supporting people in your community.”

Hopps said the ride was also about refusing to stay silent.

“I think it’s important to come out and remind ourselves that it’s important to build community, stand up for our neighbors, and when we see terror going on in our own country to call it out,” he said.

Meanwhile, Pretti’s sister, Micayla Pretti, has hired well-known Milwaukee-area attorney Tony Cotton to handle any law enforcement outreach. Cotton confirmed the representation Friday and said he is not providing criminal defense services.