The Shooting That Wasn't Quite Tragic Enough—Apparently

Alex Pretti, 37, ICU nurse, Minneapolis resident, met his end on January 24, 2026, courtesy of a federal immigration agent during what the feds called interference with an ICE operation. Cue the predictable media frenzy: outrage over tactics, debates on immigration, the usual partisan fireworks. But somewhere along the way, someone at MS NOW (MSNBC's streaming wing) apparently decided the raw facts—and the raw face—weren't pulling enough heartstrings. Enter stage left: the AI-enhanced portrait that turned a regular guy into what one wag called "the love child of a GQ cover and a thirst trap."

Before: Normal Human. After: Hollywood-Ready Martyr Material

The original photo—presumably Pretti's VA staff shot or similar professional headshot—was serviceable. Post-AI magic? Tanned skin (because nothing screams "sympathetic everyman" like a sudden beach vacation glow), a chiseled jawline that could cut glass, smoother complexion, whiter teeth, shorter forehead, narrower nose, broader shoulders, thicker neck, bonus biceps. Basically, they gave a dead man the full Instagram filter treatment. Critics called it manipulation to evoke sympathy in segments ripping ICE. Supporters of the edit... well, there aren't many, unless you count the people who think "more handsome = more innocent."

Bonus Round: Now It's a Hockey Memorial Too

The glow-up didn't stay confined to Nicolle Wallace's "Deadline: White House" segment or online thumbnails. It reportedly made a cameo on the jumbotron during a Professional Women's Hockey League game (New York Sirens vs. Minnesota Frost) for a moment of silence. Because nothing honors a fallen bystander quite like projecting his newly Photoshopped abs onto an ice rink. Subtle. Classy. Peak 2026.

The Backlash, the Swap, and the World's Quietest "Oops"

Social media did what social media does: exploded with side-by-sides, memes, and dark jokes. One particular commenter quipped that the pre-enhanced version made Pretti look "like someone who should be kept away from children"—a savage burn implying the original veered into uncanny-valley predator territory rather than saintly victimhood, and that it's no wonder why they tried to use AI to fix it. Viral outrage forced MS NOW to quietly replace the thumbnail, slap on an editor's note calling it an "AI-enhanced image," and pretend nothing happened. No on-air mea culpa, no statement, just the digital equivalent of sweeping it under the rug while whistling innocently. Because, apparently, transparency is for suckers.

The Real Tragedy? We All Saw It Coming

In an era where AI can turn blurry crime-scene stills into crystal-clear propaganda (fact-checkers already debunked separate fakes of Pretti waving a gun), it's almost poetic that a major outlet would "enhance" a portrait to tug harder at the feels. Dark humor aside, it's less funny when you realize the game: polish the picture, prime the outrage, shape the narrative. And if the public notices? Just swap it out and hope everyone forgets by next news cycle. After all, why let pesky things like unaltered truth get in the way of a good sob story? Trust in media is already on life support—might as well give it a flattering filter before pulling the plug.

Final Thought: If You're Going to Manipulate, At Least Own It

Next time a network wants to airbrush a tragedy, maybe just admit it: "We thought he needed more charisma to make you care." At least that would be honest. Instead, we get stealth edits, silent corrections, and a masterclass in how to play the masses while pretending your hands are clean. Outrageous? Absolutely. Surprising? Not even a little.