Angel Reese Issues Statement on USA After Fatal Shooting of Alex Pretti
Chicago Sky basketball player Angel Reese shared a public prayer for the country following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, during a federal immigration operation in Minneapolis. Authorities allege Pretti approached Border Patrol agents with a handgun and resisted disarming. His family vehemently contests this, stating he was unarmed, holding only a phone, and attempting to protect a woman who had been pushed.
Pretti was known for his compassionate work caring for military veterans and had recently participated in protests against ICE activity in the city. His death, called a “murder” by NBA star Tyrese Haliburton, has sparked a national debate over immigration enforcement and police conduct, intensifying tensions between federal authorities and local communities.
In Minneapolis, hundreds of protesters demonstrated, leading police to deploy tear gas. Safety concerns from the unrest prompted the NBA to postpone a Minnesota Timberwolves game, rescheduling it for the following day.
Federal officials stated the involved agent, an eight-year veteran, fired “defensive shots” fearing for officers’ lives. Pretti’s family and supporters firmly reject this account, labeling it as false and defamatory.
The incident drew immediate political reactions. Vice President JD Vance criticized Minneapolis leaders for a lack of cooperation with ICE, while former President Donald Trump circulated images he claimed showed the victim’s weapon.
As investigations proceed, the official cause of Pretti’s death remains unreleased. His passing has become a profound personal tragedy and a national flashpoint.
The case continues to fuel urgent conversations regarding law enforcement accountability, immigration policy, and the dangers faced by individuals who intervene in high-stress situations.
