On Friday, businesses and schools across the Bay Area will participate in a coordinated walkout and closure, marking a “National Day of Action.” This event aims to show solidarity with protesters in Minnesota following the death of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse who was fatally shot by federal agents in Minneapolis last weekend. The planned actions reflect a growing sentiment among community members and workers expressing their grief and outrage.
In Menlo Park, community members gathered on Thursday evening across from the Veterans Affairs facility to honor Pretti’s memory. He was employed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and was remembered for his dedication to healthcare and the veterans he served. A protester at the gathering stated, “For me, it was seeing a fellow federal worker getting murdered in the street and seeing nothing from the administration.”
The event has drawn support from various organizations, including Veterans for Peace and the Raging Grannies, alongside local chapters of government employees’ unions. Many federal workers, unable to strike, are using this moment to voice their concerns and solidarity through participation in the walkout, highlighting the importance of collective action in the face of injustice.
Josh Zeier, a resident of San Francisco, expressed the emotional toll of Pretti’s death, stating, “I don’t think I’ve ever cried so much over someone I never met… it was really important to say something and to do something to honor his memory.” This sentiment has resonated with many across the region, reflecting a sense of urgency for change in the wake of tragedy.
Support for the demonstration is evident in the response from local businesses. Various establishments, from a running store in Burlingame to Arizmendi Bakery in Oakland, have decided to close their doors for the day. Bakery owner Adrien Sanderson described the decision, saying, “These small inconveniences were so insignificant to what is actually happening in the country, and it is the least we can do to manage these inconveniences on our end in order to stand in solidarity.”
As the walkout approaches, organizers emphasize the significance of such demonstrations in showcasing the best of humanity during challenging times. They believe actions like these can foster a greater sense of community and encourage others to stand up against injustice.
The National Day of Action not only provides a platform for individuals to express their grief and solidarity but also aims to raise awareness about the systemic issues affecting communities nationwide. The participation of diverse groups underscores a collective call for accountability and change in response to violence and injustice.
