The NBA game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors scheduled for Saturday was postponed following a fatal shooting by a federal officer in Minneapolis. The league announced the decision to “prioritize the safety and security of the Minneapolis community” after 37-year-old Alex Pretti was killed in a confrontation with officers less than two miles from the Target Center arena.
The game has been rescheduled for Sunday afternoon, with the teams also set to play on Monday night. The shooting occurred in a commercial district, and as a crowd of protesters grew near the site, the Minnesota National Guard was called in to assist local police in maintaining order.
The Minnesota Twins also took precautionary measures, ending their annual winter fan festival at Target Field an hour early to allow for the “expedited departure” of all guests. The festival was held across the street from the Target Center.
This incident comes amid heightened tensions in the Twin Cities following the recent arrival of about 3,000 federal officers as part of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. Thousands had marched through downtown Minneapolis on Friday in sub-zero temperatures to protest the federal presence and tactics. Two weeks earlier, 37-year-old Renee Good was fatally shot in her car by officers, prompting the Timberwolves to hold a moment of silence before their subsequent game.
