RISNA/ SEIU Alex Pretti Memorial Event -Cancelled 2/12/2026

The Rhode Island State Nurses Association received several threatening social‑media comments from a Middletown resident opposed to our planned vigil tonight for fallen nurse Alex Pretti. These threats referenced the presence of weapons, and out of an abundance of caution for attendees—most of whom are nurses—RISNA and SEIU have made the difficult decision to cancel tonight’s gathering. 

Our mission is to protect and advocate for nurses across the state, and with guidance from the Pawtucket and Middletown Police Departments, we believe the threats are credible and pose too great a risk to proceed. 

Even if we cannot meet in person, we can still use our collective voice to advocate as a nursing community. 

RISNA and SEIU remain unwavering in our commitment to the health and safety of our nurses and our communities, and although it may feel hard to move forward with grassroots advocacy when circumstances like these arise, know this work matters. 

Thank you for all the support we received from nurses, neighbors, elected officials, and police departments. It is with your support that we remain committed to providing safety and security to ALL Rhode Islanders.