The killing of a registered nurse by federal agents in Minneapolis has drawn widespread condemnation from prominent figures across the United States sports world, with athletes using their platforms to demand justice and express outrage.
Outcry from Basketball Stars
Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, was shot dead by federal agents in Minneapolis on Saturday, becoming the second person to be killed by such officers in the city in less than three weeks. The incident occurred amid ongoing protests against former President Donald Trump's immigration policies, which have swept through Minneapolis.
Senior Trump administration officials have claimed that Pretti intended to "massacre" federal officers with a handgun. However, video evidence and witness testimonies appear to directly contradict these assertions, suggesting a different narrative of the events.
NBA and WNBA Voices
Two-time NBA All-Star Tyrese Haliburton, the Indiana Pacers guard regarded as one of the league's brightest young talents, posted a stark message on social media. "Alex Pretti was murdered," Haliburton wrote, capturing the sentiment of many who believe the shooting was unjustified.
Angel Reese, a standout star in the WNBA, also expressed her dismay, posting "Praying for our country" on the platform X. Their comments highlight how the tragedy has resonated beyond local communities, reaching national sporting figures.
NFL Community Reacts
The reaction extended to the National Football League, where former Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark, a Super Bowl winner turned broadcaster, paid tribute to Pretti. "Rest Easy Alex Pretti. Bro was a hero. Prayers to his family & loved ones. Senseless death… AGAIN!!" Clark wrote on X, emphasising the recurring nature of such incidents.
Dwight McGlothern Jr, a cornerback for the Minnesota Vikings, Minneapolis's NFL team, has been vocal about the recent unrest. On Saturday, he posted, "It's not right what's happening in Minnesota," reflecting the local impact of the protests and violence.
Notably, NFL Hall of Famer Alan Page, who was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Trump in 2018, appears to have joined protests against the immigration crackdown. Social media images show the 80-year-old, who spent much of his career with the Vikings, standing among demonstrators in Minneapolis this week.
Wider Sporting Consequences
The immediate aftermath of Pretti's killing led to the postponement of Saturday's NBA game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors. The Timberwolves' arena is located less than two miles from the shooting scene, prompting the NBA to state that the decision was made to "prioritise the safety and security of the Minneapolis community."
This incident follows the earlier shooting death of another US citizen, Renee Good, by federal officers earlier this month, which also provoked strong reactions from the sports community. Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr commented after Good's death, saying, "It's shameful, really, that in our country we can have law enforcement officers who commit murder and seemingly get away with it."
Family's Anguish
Pretti's parents have issued a heartfelt statement, describing themselves as "heartbroken but also very angry" following their son's death. They vehemently denied the administration's claims, stating, "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. 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."
The family's account, supported by witness testimonies, challenges the official version of events and underscores the deep divisions and tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and police accountability in the United States.
