‘Still in shock’: Owners of Glam Doll Donuts grieve Alex Pretti's death right outside their store

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: The owners of Eat Street’s Glam Doll Donuts have spoken publicly for the first time after a fatal shooting unfolded directly outside their storefront, leaving staff shaken and grieving.

The Minneapolis donut shop confirmed that the killing of Alex Pretti early Saturday morning, January 24, deeply traumatized employees who witnessed the incident. While Glam Doll briefly reopened Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm to serve coffee and donuts, the owners announced the shop will remain closed Monday and Tuesday to allow staff time to recover.

Glam Doll Donuts owners react to fatal shooting outside store

Owners Arwyn Birch and Teresa Fox shared an emotional statement on Facebook alongside a photo taken from inside the shop, looking out toward the sidewalk where the 37-year-old ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA was shot.

“We have heavy hearts today and will for many to come,” they wrote. “We’ve had this view every day for almost 13 years. It will never be the same. The experience we had yesterday will haunt us all for life."

The owners added that Pretti's presence will remain with them. “Alex Pretti will live with us forever. We are so sorry this happened to you. Our love to his family, friends, and community is immeasurable.”

Birch and Fox also asked the public for patience as their small team copes with the aftermath.

“Things are going to be tough here for a while,” the post continued. “Making donuts is hard work that takes people and time, and everyone is traumatized right now. Please give us a little time to recuperate, but please also support us. We have families to take care of, and your support is instrumental in navigating this tragedy.”

They emphasized that Glam Doll remains a small, locally run business. “We are a small but mighty team, and we are eternally grateful for the strength and love they lead with,” they wrote.

The owners said they are still struggling to process what happened. “We’re still in shock,” they added, noting that the account is run by the two of them and not an outside company. They encouraged community members to stop by, offer support, and pay respects to Pretti.

Conflicting accounts emerge in Alex Pretti shooting

Pretti was shot multiple times by federal agents after being pepper-sprayed and tackled to the ground. Federal officials claimed Pretti approached agents while armed, but video footage from the scene appears to contradict that account.

A Washington Post analysis of the videos shows agents wrestling Pretti to the ground and removing a handgun from his waist area before the first shot was fired. Authorities later confirmed that Pretti was carrying a loaded firearm and had a valid Minnesota concealed carry permit.

Trump comments as federal review continues

President Donald Trump said Sunday night that his administration is reviewing the fatal shooting.

“We’re looking, we’re reviewing everything and will come out with a determination,” Trump told the Wall Street Journal, without addressing whether the officer’s actions were justified.

Trump added that he does not support shootings but criticized the presence of a firearm at the scene. He described Pretti’s Sig Sauer P320 9mm pistol as “dangerous and unpredictable,” a claim that has drawn scrutiny amid the ongoing investigation.