NBA star Tyrese Haliburton condemns second Minneapolis shooting, says ‘Alex Pretti was murdered’

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: Two‑time NBA All‑Star Tyrese Haliburton spoke out on social media on Saturday, January 24, after federal agents fatally shot Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. “Alex Pretti was murdered,” the Indiana Pacers guard wrote online in response to the incident.

Pretti, a 37‑year‑old registered nurse, was killed by Border Patrol agents during an immigration enforcement action in the city, the second such fatal shooting there in a few weeks.

Haliburton wasn’t alone in condemning the death. Several well‑known athletes across basketball and football publicly criticised the shooting. 

Tyrese Haliburton among sports stars to condemn Alex Pretti's shooting

The young NBA player posted just those four words on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, making a powerful statement. He did not point fingers at ICE agents, the federal government, or Border Patrol. Haliburton’s post was shared and reshared thousands of times, reaching around 59,000 shares and accumulating over 21.6 million views.

There have also been strong reactions from WNBA stars. Two‑time WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart held a sign reading “ABOLISH ICE” before her team’s game in Unrivaled, the league she co‑founded.

Another WNBA star, Angel Reese, wrote “Praying for our country” on X.

NFL figures also weighed in. Ryan Clark, a former Steelers safety who is now a broadcaster, paid tribute to Pretti on X, writing: “Rest Easy Alex Pretti. Bro was a hero. Prayers to his family & loved ones. Senseless death… AGAIN!!”

Minnesota’s major professional sports teams, including the Vikings (NFL), Wild (NHL), Timberwolves (NBA), Lynx (WNBA), Minnesota United FC (MLS), and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), issued broader calls for peace and cooperation in response to the situation.

Stewart explained her decision to hold the sign, saying she believes the country is currently driven more by hate than by love and that “Abolish ICE” means supporting policies that uplift families and communities rather than spreading fear and violence.

Alex Pretti's death intensifies chaos in Minneapolis 

Alex Pretti, a 37‑year‑old intensive care nurse from Minneapolis, was shot and killed during a federal immigration enforcement action in the city. The shooting has intensified already high tensions in Minnesota, prompting protests and widespread public outrage.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz condemned the incident and demanded answers, while federal officials, including Department of Homeland Security leadership, defended the actions of the agent involved and described the operation as a necessary part of immigration enforcement.

Attorney General Pam Bondi also issued statements related to the shooting and urged protestors to comply with law enforcement directives, warning that action would be taken against those who resist.