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On Sunday, various sports leagues, teams and figures, including Steve Kerr and Breanna Stewart, addressed the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minneapolis.
The Minnesota Timberwolves' Saturday game against the Golden State Warriors at Target Center was postponed to Sunday in light of the shooting and following protests in Minneapolis. Before the game was played, the Timberwolves held a moment of silence for Pretti, the same as they did earlier in January when 37-year-old Renee Good was fatally shot by ICE agents.
The National Basketball Players' Association was another organization that released a statement on the shootings in Minneapolis, writing that "NBA players can no longer remain silent."
Here are the statements released by Minnesota sports teams, the NBPA and more about the fatal shootings in Minneapolis.
Minnesota sports teams, NBPA statements on Minneapolis
Timberwolves' game postponed, team holds moment of silence
On Saturday, a scheduled matchup between the Timberwolves and Warriors was postponed after Alex Pretti was shot and killed by federal agents in Minneapolis.
“The decision was made to prioritize the safety and security of the Minneapolis community,” the NBA said in a statement.
The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/zETGHzpYX5
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) January 24, 2026Then, before Sunday's rescheduled game, the Timberwolves held a pregame moment of silence for Pretti. The team did the same for Renee Good earlier in January.
Moment of silence held for Alex Pretti before today’s game. pic.twitter.com/qzbAVlFxVh
— Chris Hine (@ChristopherHine) January 25, 2026Chris Finch
On Saturday, Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch also addressed the fatal shooting in Minneapolis.
"For the second time in less than three weeks, we've lost another member of our community in the most unimaginable way," Finch said. "As an organization, we are heartbroken for what we are having to witness and endure and watch."
Here is Chris Finch's opening statement prior to his pregame media availability on the shooting in Minneapolis on Saturday.
"For the second time in less than three weeks, we've lost another member of our community in the most unimaginable way." pic.twitter.com/mWRhBchC3W
Steve Kerr
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, who was in Minneapolis to take on the Timberwolves this weekend, also addressed the shooting. Kerr has previously spoken out about gun violence in the United States.
"There should be an appeal to our better angels to look after one another and to recognize what's happening. We're being divided by media for profit, by misinformation. There's so much out there that is really difficult for all of us to reconcile," Kerr said. "In times like these, you have to lean on values and who you are and who you want to be -- either as an individual or as a country. And I think that's the biggest thing."
Here's Steve Kerr when asked what the path moving forward is for the country...
"There should be an appeal to our better angels to look after one another and to recognize what's happening. We're being divided by media for profit, by misinformation. There's so much out there that… pic.twitter.com/kOzFi3LvsZ
NBPA
The National Basketball Player's Association, the player's union for the NBA, released a statement on Sunday evening about the Minneapolis shooting.
"Following the news of yet another fatal shooting in Minneapolis, a city that has been on the forefront of the fight against injustices, NBA players can no longer remain silent," the statement read. "Now more than ever, we must defend the right to freedom of speech and stand in solidarity with the people in Minnesota protesting and risking their lives to demand justice.
"The fraternity of NBA players, like the United States itself, is a community enriched by its global citizens, and we refuse to let the flames of division threaten the civil liberties that are meant to protect us all. The NBPA and its members extend our deepest condolences to the families of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, just as our thoughts remain focused on the safety and well-being of all members of our community."
Statement from the NBPA and its Executive Committee on the Fatal Shooting in Minneapolis by ICE.
“There comes a time when silence is betrayal” -MLK pic.twitter.com/ka6CjhfHBb
Minnesota sports CEOs sign on statement calling for "immediate deescalation of tensions"
On Sunday, the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce released a letter on behalf of dozens of CEOs of Minnesota-based companies. The statement said that "the recent challenges facing our state have created widespread disruption and tragic loss of life," and that the CEOs were calling for "an immediate deescalation of tensions and for state, local and federal officials to work together to find real solutions."
Representatives of the Vikings, Timberwolves, Minnesota Lynx, Minnesota United FC and the Minnesota Wild were included on the letter.
NEW: The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce released this letter on behalf of more than 60 CEOs of Minnesota-based companies today. https://t.co/n4x7yJGoJv pic.twitter.com/uzXg0tzjIm
— Minnesota Chamber of Commerce (@MN_Chamber) January 25, 2026Breanna Stewart
During player introductions of her Unrivaled matchup in Miami on Sunday, WNBA All-Star Breanna Stewart held up a sign that said "Abolish ICE."
"I was just disgusted from everything that you see on Instagram and in the news," Stewart said, per USA Today. "We're so fueled by hate right now instead of love, so I wanted to have a simple message of 'Abolish ICE,' which means having policies to uplift families and communities instead of fueling fear and violence."
— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) January 25, 2026Tyrese Haliburton
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton shared a post on X that said Alex Pretti was murdered.
Alex Pretti was murdered.
— Tyrese Haliburton (@Hali) January 25, 2026Victor Wembanyama
Spurs star Victor Wembanyama said Tuesday that he is "horrified" by the news from Minneapolis.
"Every day I wake up and see the news and I'm horrified," Wembanyama said, according to the San Antonio Express-News. "I think it is crazy that some people make it sound like it's acceptable, like the murder of civilians is acceptable."
Wembanyama joins teammates De'Aaron Fox and Julian Champagnie in speaking out.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
NBA Hall-of-Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar wrote about the situation in Minnesota on his Substack on Tuesday. The former center has always been outspoken with his political opinions, and he discussed the events in Minnesota at length as part of his "Kareem Takes on the News."
"I've spent decades writing about social justice not because I enjoy controversy or love the attention, but because I’ve seen what happens when we let others define reality for us," Abdul-Jabbar wrote. "I've watched institutions claim they value equality while their actions tell a different story. I've watched leaders talk about accountability while dismantling the very tools that make accountability possible. And I've watched ordinary people, often the most vulnerable among us, risk their safety just to bear witness—and then tell the stories of what really happened."
Karl-Anthony Towns
Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns, a former member of the Timberwolves, shared a social media post that called the events in Minneapolis "heartbreaking to witness."
"These events have cost lives and shaken families — and we must call for accountability, transparency, and protections for all people," Towns wrote. "This moment demands that we reflect honestly on what our values truly are. My thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences are with the families of Renée Good and Alex Pretti."
What is happening in the Twin Cities and the Great North Star State is heartbreaking to witness. These events have cost lives and shaken families — and we must call for accountability, transparency, and protections for all people. This moment demands that we reflect honestly on…
— Karl-Anthony Towns (@KarlTowns) January 26, 2026Stephen Curry
Warriors star Stephen Curry, who was in Minnesota for the matchup with the Timberwolves, spoke on the protests in Minneapolis and watching them from his hotel window.
"In negative 10-degree weather. It was beautiful to see that turnout. That speaks to how important people felt to have their voice heard," Curry said. "In those elements and whatever streets outside our hotel, they were out, and it was amazing to watch."
“In negative 10 degree weather, it was beautiful to see that turnout. Speaks to how important it felt to those people to have their voice heard, and in those elements.”
Steph Curry was in full support of the protests in Minneapolis. pic.twitter.com/uWSo6Ki4dr
Anthony Edwards
Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards was asked if he had a message for the Minnesota community.
"I just love Minnesota, all the love and support that they show me. So I'm behind whatever they with," Edwards said. "I don't really have social media, so I'm not in tune with everything. But I've heard about the stuff that's going on. Me and my family definitely praying for everybody."
Anthony Edwards when asked if he had a message for the Minnesota community...
"I just love Minnesota, all the love and support that they show me. So I'm behind whatever they with. I don't really have social media, so I'm not in tune with everything. But I've heard about the… pic.twitter.com/o2cUpoHfuq
Julius Randle
Another Timberwolves player, Julius Randle, spoke about the situation in Minneapolis and said "it's tough to stomach things like that."
"Regardless of politics, there’s a human aspect to it, for me I have kids, I have family, for me the job as a man is to be the protector of the house," Randle said. "From the minute I’ve been here, Minneapolis has been great for me, fans and community have been really behind me."
Julius Randle on how the turmoil in Minnesota and Minneapolis has affected him
“Regardless of politics, there’s a human aspect to it, for me I have kids, I have family, for me the job as a man is to be the protector of the house. You see things like that and obviously, it’s… pic.twitter.com/aE0KkbyYsr
Donovan Mitchell
Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell spoke to reporters about the events in Minneapolis, saying, "It's violence. Senseless violence. It's one of those things where there's a human element to all of this, right? We were there for the first incident, and then to see it happen again, it's like it's become the norm. It's become something that, quite frankly, I don't feel like any of us in here are like, ‘Man, that's a normal thing.' That shouldn't be."
Donovan Mitchell on ICE:
“There’s a human element that gets to me. It's not right that it's desensitized. It’s all bullshit. I pray for everybody that is affected by it and that we figure this out. It's getting out of hand. That can’t be who we are as a country and as people.” pic.twitter.com/JMoFIp60PA
Guerschon Yabusele
Knicks forward Guerschon Yabusele spoke out in a tweet on Monday, calling the events in Minneapolis "beyond comprehension."
I can't stop thinking about the tragic events unfolding in Minnesota, and even though I'm French, I can't remain silent. What's happening is beyond comprehension. We're talking about murders here, these are serious matters. The situation must change, the government must stop…
— Guerschon Yabusele (@yabusele28) January 26, 2026Jaylen Brown
Celtics star Jaylen Brown told reporters after Monday's game, telling reporters, "We demand accountability, and we think that there needs to be some improvement in the tactics, the profiling, or whatever is going on," referencing the NBPA statement on the events in Minneapolis.
Jaylen Brown on the NBPA statement on what’s going on in Minneapolis:
“ Obviously, basketball is entertainment and it's important, but there's other things going on in the world that are more important. The statement that we released from the NBA PA, we send our condolences to… pic.twitter.com/sOF79PeG44
Liam McNeeley
Hornets rookie Liam McNeeley quoted scripture in an apparent response to the events in Minneapolis:
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.” Proverbs 31:8
— liammcneeley (@liammcneeley30) January 25, 2026De'Aaron Fox
Spurs PG De'Aaron Fox made a lengthy statement about guns and "stand your ground" laws, calling for the officer or officers who shot Alex Pretti to be charged.
De’Aaron Fox was asked for his thoughts on the NBPA statement on the killing of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minnesota:
“We have a stand your ground law here, right? I don't know how many of y'all own guns. I own guns. We all know KJ (Keldon Johnson) owns guns, but imagine…
Julian Champagnie
Spurs forward Julian Champagnie told reporters, "the violence is the main thing that has to stop," echoing some of the sentiments of teammate De'Aaron Fox.
De’Aaron Fox and Julian Champagnie have spoken out regarding the recent fatal shootings and unrest in Minneapolis.
🎙️ Fox is questioning why an investigation hasn’t been launched:
“I’d be charged if I shot someone in the back... even if I’m protecting my property and then I… pic.twitter.com/KGebNFqzQP
A'ja Wilson, Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese
WNBA stars A'ja Wilson, Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese showed support for Breanna Stewart's opposition to ICE following the shooting in Minneapolis.
— haus hoops | wbb (@haushoops) January 26, 2026Cameron Johnson
Nuggets forward Cameron Johnson shared his thoughts on his podcast on Wednesday, telling listeners, "These people were friends. They were family members. They were parents. Their lives are just taken from them. It’s sad and it hurts."
“These people were friends. They were family members. They were parents … their lives are just taken from them. It’s sad and it hurts” -- Cam Johnson speaks on the acts of violence in Minneapolis and the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti pic.twitter.com/WAqR6gJ5mY
— TheOldManAndTheThree (@OldManAndThree) January 27, 2026Cheryl Reeve
Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve shared her support for protestors in Minneapolis with a tweet on Saturday.
This my city. #ICEOUT pic.twitter.com/PhTi0gcUIy
— Cheryl Reeve (@LynxCoachReeve) January 24, 2026Other statements on Minneapolis shooting
Kole Calhoun
Former MLB outfielder Kole Calhoun, who retired after the 2023 season, posted a lengthy statement to social media.
"This is a turning point," Calhoun said. "The images and videos from Minnesota are alarming, on all fronts, to what this country was built on and our core values as a society are under attack."
Calhoun went on to call U.S. immigration policy "blatantly racist" and said he spoke up because he believes "silence is complicit."
Worth checking out the IG story of former Diamondacks outfielder Kole Calhoun pic.twitter.com/3UEUH1WXsM
— Zach Buchanan (@ZHBuchanan) January 26, 2026John Randle
Vikings great John Randle posted a handful of Instagram stories taking a stand against what he believes is "reckless violence," specifically calling out the practice of "people being taken from their homes and families ripped apart."
Stand together & love one another 💜💛 pic.twitter.com/fJVKHYDh82
— john randle (@johnnyrandle93) January 26, 2026Spencer Strider, Bailey Ober
Minnesota Twins starter Bailey Ober reposted an image of protests in Minneapolis, while Atlanta Braves starter Spencer Strider compared the events in Minnesota to the Boston Massacre in an Instagram repost.
Twins pitcher Bailey Ober and Braves pitcher Spencer Strider post IG stories acknowledging the violence the federal gov't is waging against innocent ppl in Minnesota right now pic.twitter.com/TXjG0IKZGK
— Erica Block (@EricaDaleBlock) January 25, 2026Quinn Meinerz
Denver Broncos All-Pro guard Quinn Meinerz reported an image that called for ICE to be abolished shortly after the shooting in Minneapolis.
Minneapolis shooting details
ICE agents were originally dispatched to Minneapolis and St. Paul in early December for an operation organized by President Donald Trump's administration. On Saturday, federal agents shot and killed a 37-year-old man, Alex Pretti, in Minneapolis, the second person to be fatally shot in the city during the administration's immigration crackdown in the area, per BBC.
According to BBC, Pretti was a U.S. citizen who lived in Minneapolis and worked as a nurse, and videos showed "a scuffle between Border Patrol agents and the man in the lead up to the shooting," while The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said "the agents fired in self-defense after Pretti, who they say had a handgun, resisted their attempts to disarm him." However, eyewitnesses, local officials and the victim's family have challenged that account, per BBC.
Pretti's death followed the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer on Jan. 7 in Minneapolis.
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