Emotions ran high at the Target Center in Minneapolis on Sunday as the Minnesota Timberwolves hosted the Golden State Warriors in a rearranged NBA fixture. The game, originally scheduled for Saturday, was postponed following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old intensive care nurse Alex Jeffrey Pretti by federal agents during a struggle in the city.
Arena Tribute Interrupted by Vocal Protest
Shortly before tip-off, a solemn moment of silence was observed in memory of Pretti. The stadium announcer expressed the organisation's heartbreak, stating, 'We extend our regard, support and heartfelt sympathies to Alex's family, friends and our community during this difficult time.' However, the tribute was swiftly followed by loud chants of 'F*** Ice!' echoing around the arena, met with cheers and applause from numerous supporters.
Coach Finch Addresses 'Unconscionable' Community Loss
Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch struggled to contain his emotions when addressing the media before the game. He referenced the loss of 'another beloved member of our community in the most unimaginable way... for the second time in less than three weeks.' This follows the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer just two weeks prior.
Finch explained the team's decision to postpone Saturday's game, thanking NBA leadership for prioritising community safety. 'Playing basketball just didn't feel like the right thing to do,' he admitted, while hoping the team could now move forward.
Conflicting Narratives Emerge Over Shooting
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that Pretti was shot after he 'approached' Border Patrol officers while allegedly carrying a loaded 9mm semiautomatic handgun. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem claimed officers 'clearly feared for their lives' and fired defensive shots after Pretti 'violently' resisted.
However, these accounts have been fiercely contested. Video footage from the scene appears to show officers disarming Pretti before shots were fired. Minneapolis police confirmed Pretti had no serious criminal history and was a lawful gun owner with a valid permit.
Family and Players Condemn Federal Actions
In a blistering statement, Pretti's family eviscerated the official narrative, calling the administration's claims 'sickening lies' and 'reprehensible and disgusting.' They asserted that video evidence shows their son was not holding a gun when attacked, but rather had his phone in one hand and his other hand raised.
The incident has drawn significant attention within the NBA community. Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton publicly claimed 'Alex Pretti was murdered,' while the NBA Players Association released a strong statement condemning his death.
Protests Extend Beyond the Arena
The discontent was not confined to the stadium's interior. Demonstrators gathered outside the Target Center before the game, with one protester displaying a sign comparing ICE to the Gestapo. This public outcry reflects deepening tensions in Minneapolis following two high-profile incidents involving federal immigration enforcement officers within a fortnight.
The Timberwolves organisation, while heartbroken by the events, has pledged to stand in support of the Minneapolis community it serves. As the team attempts to navigate forward, the echoes of protest within its home arena underscore a city grappling with grief, anger, and demands for accountability.
