The needless killing of 37-year-old registered nurse, Alex Pretti has sparked an outcry and protests around the country including Minneapolis, Minnesota. On Saturday, federal agents shot and killed him, prompting protests across the weekend. This violent incident was met with condemnation from a number of public figures, including NBA all-stars and Connecticut native athletes. This incident is the second killing by federal agents in the city in recent months. This occurred within a span of just three weeks.
Witnesses claim that Pretti was not carrying a weapon when he was shot. This flatly contradicts false statements by senior Trump administration officials, who claimed he was going to “massacre” federal officers with a .45 caliber pistol. Widespread video footage of the incident seems to corroborate the claim that Pretti was not a threat as he was being assaulted.
Steve Kerr, head coach of the Golden State Warriors, took to Twitter to publicly condemn the actions of law enforcement. This announcement followed national outrage and demands after Pretti’s death. He was particularly troubled by the fact that few, if any, had been held accountable for the shooting.
“It’s shameful, really, that in our country we can have law enforcement officers who commit murder and seemingly get away with it.” – Steve Kerr
The NBA has rescheduled the Timberwolves’ game against the Golden State Warriors, which was postponed to accommodate this situation. This is a welcome decision in response to the circumstances surrounding Pretti’s death. This decision reflects the league’s sensitivity to the ongoing unrest in Minneapolis, which has been fueled by protests against the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
Tyrese Haliburton, the former first-team all-NBA star and Indiana Pacers floor general, took to social media to decry the incident. His post was a powerful reminder of Pretti’s tragic killing. More importantly, it highlighted the broader context of violence that underserved communities experience.
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Dwight McGlothern Jr.—a player who came into the league as an undrafted free agent himself—offered his thoughts on the topic as well. Equating what happened in DC to the injustice that hasn’t disappeared since #GeorgeFloyd’s murder was apt.
“It’s not right what’s happening in Minnesota.” – Dwight McGlothern Jr.
Furthermore, Angel Reese, a notable figure in women’s basketball, shared her thoughts on social media, writing “Praying for our country,” reflecting a sentiment shared by many who are grappling with the implications of Pretti’s death.
Pretti’s family has released a statement denouncing the story told by government officials about their son. They condemned these claims as “reprehensible and disgusting.” They reminded us too that he was indeed unarmed during the tragic encounter that led to his death.
“The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting. Alex is clearly not holding a gun when attacked by Trump’s murdering and cowardly ICE thugs.” – Pretti’s parents
A year later, the community still seems to be struggling with grief and anger as they seek justice for Alex Pretti. Protests have sustained across the entire city of Minneapolis, representing a larger, national movement against what many see as institutional violence and oppression.