Somers vigil to honor the lives of Renée Good and Alex Pretti - Hudson Valley Living

SOMERS, N.Y. - A vigil for Renée Good, Alex Pretti, and other American citizens said to have died protecting free speech, due process, and other constitutional rights, will be held in Somers later this month.

The event is set for 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 22, at Reis Park, located at 82 Primrose St. (Route 139).

According to organizer Patrick DeSena, scheduled speakers are state Sen. Peter Harckham (D-40th District), Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins, Westchester County Legislature Chair Vedat Gashi (D-District 4), County Legislator Erika Pierce (D-District 2), Daniel Guzman, a community leader in Carmel and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, and county Legislator David Imamura (D-District 12).

Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, and Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, were two Minneapolis residents and U.S. citizens who were shot and killed by federal law enforcement agents in separate incidents in January.

The fatal encounters occurred during widespread protests over the Trump administration’s “Operation Metro Surge.”

The large-scale federal immigration enforcement operation launched by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minnesota began in December 2025 and lasted until mid-February 2026.

Earlier this month, the Texas Department of Public Safety released a video from March 2025 which shows the run-up to the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Ruben Ray Martinez of San Antonio by federal immigration officers in South Padre Island.

His death also became the subject of national scrutiny following the release of body camera footage that appeared to contradict the official government narrative of the incident.

Good and Pretti’s deaths drew national attention, sparked protests, and spurred political debates over accountability.

DeSena told Halston Media recently that he, “like half the world was totally shocked watching the video of her (Good) being shot down” and then was rocked again when Pretti was killed.

“I thought this can’t go on. We have to do something to prevent a complete dissolution of our laws, justice system, and constitutional rights,” he explained.

DeSena, who insists the event is not political, hopes it will bring some “comfort” to folks to know they are not alone in their desire to help their neighbors and to “protect civil rights.”

He is being helped by a small band of volunteers.

Race Amity of Northern Westchester Putnam is supporting the vigil/tribute, according to co-founder Susan Cody.

RANWP is a local community organization that says it’s focused on fostering cross-racial friendships, collaboration, and social harmony, rather than being a partisan political group.

While it addresses social justice, inequality, and community issues, its approach is based on dialogue and unity rather than political lobbying or partisan activity.

“We’re trying to uplift and empower people in a positive way,” Cody said.

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