Prominent US sports figures have condemned the killing of Alex Pretti, a registered nurse, by federal agents in Minneapolis on Saturday. Pretti, 37, is the second person shot dead by federal agents in the city in less than three weeks, amid protests over President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown.
Two-time NBA All-Star Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers posted on social media: 'Alex Pretti was murdered.' WNBA star Breanna Stewart, a two-time league MVP, held a sign reading 'ABOLISH ICE' before her game in the Unrivaled league. Stewart later said: 'We're so fueled by hate right now instead of love, so I wanted to have a simple message.' She added that her wife, Marta Xargay, is applying for US citizenship, making the crackdown personal.
NFL figures also reacted. Former Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark wrote on X: 'Rest Easy Alex Pretti. Bro was a hero. Prayers to his family & loved ones. Senseless death… AGAIN!!' Minnesota Vikings cornerback Dwight McGlothern Jr posted: 'It's not right what's happening in Minnesota.'
NFL Hall of Famer Alan Page, who spent most of his career with the Vikings, clarified that images circulating of him at protests were false, but said: 'People are in the streets because they are frustrated... because of this gratuitous violence.'
Minnesota's major professional sports teams—the Vikings, Wild, Timberwolves, Lynx and Minnesota United FC—joined dozens of state businesses in calling for a peaceful resolution. An open letter from the organisations urged 'an immediate de-escalation of tensions' and for officials to 'work together to find real solutions.'
The killing follows the death of Renee Good, another US citizen shot by federal officers earlier this month. Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr said: 'It's shameful, really, that in our country we can have law enforcement officers who commit murder and seemingly get away with it.'
