The Minnesota Timberwolves held a moment of silence for nurse Alex Pretti before their rescheduled NBA game against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday, but the tribute was interrupted by crowd chants of “F— ICE.” Pretti was shot and killed by federal agents on Saturday in Minneapolis.
As Pretti’s image appeared on the jumbotron, an announcer asked fans to join in honouring his life. Initial quiet gave way to a lone voice shouting “Fuck ICE,” which quickly spread as dozens joined in, met with cheers from the audience.
The game, originally scheduled for Saturday, was postponed “to prioritize the safety and security of the Minneapolis community,” according to the Timberwolves. It aired on NBA TV on Sunday afternoon.
Pretti’s death follows the fatal shooting of Renee Good on January 7, which the Trump administration declined to investigate. Officials labelled Pretti a “domestic terrorist,” a claim contradicted by video evidence and witness accounts.
Widespread protests have erupted in Minneapolis over the federal immigration crackdown. Governor Tim Walz activated 1,500 National Guard troops on Saturday, while Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the killing, asking, “How many more Americans need to die for this operation to end?”
