Jennifer Aniston, the celebrated actress best known for her role in Friends, has made a rare foray into political commentary following a fatal incident in Minneapolis. The 56-year-old star, who typically avoids political discourse on her substantial social media platforms, shared a series of emotionally charged Instagram Stories on Sunday.
A Nurse's Tragic Death Sparks Outrage
The posts centred on the death of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse who worked at a Minnesota VA hospital. Pretti was fatally shot by a U.S. Border Patrol officer in Minneapolis, an event that has ignited significant political controversy and public demonstrations.
Aniston's first shared slide featured a powerful statement from Pretti's parents, originally disseminated by Senator Bernie Sanders. "We are heartbroken but also very angry," the parents declared. They described their son as "a kindhearted soul who cared deeply for his family and friends and also the American veterans whom he cared for as an ICU nurse."
Parents Challenge Official Narrative
The statement vehemently contested the account provided by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, which suggested Pretti was armed during the confrontation. "The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting," his parents asserted. "Alex is clearly not holding a gun when attacked by Trump's murdering and cowardly ICE thugs. He has his phone in his right hand and his empty left hand is raised above his head while trying to protect the woman ICE just pushed down all while being pepper sprayed."
They concluded their heartfelt message with a plea: "Please get the truth out about our son. He was a good man. Thank you."
Aniston Shares Pretti's Own Words
In a second slide, Aniston presented Pretti's own words from a speech he gave to colleagues at the VA hospital while honouring a deceased veteran. "Today we remember that freedom is not free," Pretti had said. "May we never forget and always remember our brothers and sisters who have served so that we may enjoy the gift of freedom. So in this moment, we remember and give thanks for their dedication and selfless service to our nation, in the cause of our freedom. In this solemn hour, we read them our honor and our gratitude."
Call to Action for Followers
A third set of slides shared by The Morning Show actress urged her 44.7 million followers to engage politically. Set to the melancholic 1996 track Standing Outside a Broken Phone Booth with Money in My Hand by Primitive Radio Gods, the slides encouraged contacting local representatives. "To anyone who thinks calling your reps doesn't work ... the number to call is 202–224–3121," the statement read. It advised calling "your two U.S. senators and one U.S. representative," noting that congressional staffers measure voter sentiment through call volume from actual constituents.
The message emphasised collective action: "One call might not change anything - but many calls absolutely could. It's like tug-of-war - one person pulling may not win, but you have a MUCH better chance if thousands pull simultaneously, even a little."
Political Figures and Celebrities Respond
Aniston was not alone in her response. Other notable figures expressing outrage on social media included Olivia Rodrigo, Stephen King, Kathy Griffin, and Cynthia Nixon. Meanwhile, in Minneapolis, federal and state officials offered conflicting accounts of the incident.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz framed the situation starkly at a news conference: "Which side do you want to be on? The side of an all-powerful federal government that could kill, injure, menace and kidnap its citizens off the streets, or on the side of a nurse at the VA hospital who died bearing witness to such government."
Contrasting Official Accounts
Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino presented a different perspective, stating that Pretti had "placed himself in harm's way." According to the Associated Press, Bovino said, "When someone makes the choice to come into an active law enforcement scene, interfere, obstruct, delay or assault law enforcement officer and - and they bring a weapon to do that - that is a choice that that individual made."
Prominent Democrats also voiced their positions. Former Vice President Kamala Harris hailed Pretti as someone "dedicated to serving his community and our country," adding that his final act was "doing everything in his power to protect his community." Senator Bernie Sanders called for the immediate withdrawal of all federal agents from Minneapolis and other cities, while New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated plainly, "ICE terrorizes our cities. ICE puts us all in danger. Abolish ICE."
The incident has clearly transcended a local tragedy, becoming a national flashpoint that has drawn in Hollywood celebrities, political leaders, and sparked widespread debate about government authority and civil liberties.
