Apple CEO Tim Cook calls for 'de-escalation' after fatal shooting of nurse Alex Pretti

WASHINGTON, DC: Apple CEO Tim Cook urged “de-escalation” following the killing of 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis, saying that he was “heartbroken” by the events.

In an internal memo to employees, Cook emphasized dignity, respect and shared humanity amid growing unrest tied to immigration enforcement operations.

Cook also said he had discussed the situation directly with President Donald Trump in what he described as a constructive conversation. His comments came as corporate leaders across the country weighed how to respond to the fallout from the fatal shooting.

Tim Cook urges calm and reveals 'good conversation' with Trump

Cook addressed Apple employees in an internal memo obtained by CBS News, expressing sympathy for those affected by the violence and calling for restraint. 

“I’m heartbroken by the events in Minneapolis, and my prayers and deepest sympathies are with the families, with the communities, and with everyone that’s been affected,” Cook wrote. 

“This is a time for de-escalation,” he continued. “I believe America is strongest when we live up to our highest ideals, when we treat everyone with dignity and respect no matter who they are or where they’re from, and when we embrace our shared humanity. This is something Apple has always advocated for.”

Cook added that he shared his views directly with the president.

“I had a good conversation with the president this week where I shared my views, and I appreciate his openness to engaging on issues that matter to us all,” he said.

The memo also acknowledged the emotional toll the situation had taken on Apple employees. “I know this is very emotional and challenging for so many,” Cook wrote. “I am proud of how deeply our teams care about the world beyond our walls." 

Cook’s statement followed public calls from dozens of Minnesota-based corporate leaders for calm after Pretti was killed by Border Patrol agents during a federal immigration enforcement operation.

CEOs from companies including 3M, UnitedHealth Group and Target signed an open letter organized by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce calling for the “immediate de-escalation of tensions.”

The letter did not directly condemn federal immigration enforcement or urge the White House to withdraw agents from Minneapolis. Leadership experts claimed that the measured tone reflected efforts by executives to balance public concern with political realities. 

Tech leaders and employees respond to immigration crackdown

Other technology leaders also addressed the immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota internally.

According to the New York Times, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman sent a message to employees saying, “What’s happening with ICE is going too far,” while also describing President Trump as “a very strong leader.”

OpenAI did not release the message publicly and did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei also issued a statement on Monday, calling the events in Minnesota “the horror we’re seeing” and emphasizing “the importance of preserving democratic values and rights at home.”

At the same time, hundreds of employees from major tech companies, including Amazon, Google and Meta, signed a more forceful letter urging their CEOs to publicly condemn Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s actions and to cancel contracts with the agency.

The employees also called on corporate leaders to directly pressure the White House to remove ICE from cities.