Tyrese Haliburton, Alex Pretti
Indiana Pacers All-Star Tyrese Haliburton weighed in Saturday after a federal immigration officer fatally shot an ICU nurse in Minneapolis, a killing that has sparked protests and intensified scrutiny around federal law enforcement actions in the city, ABC News reports.
Pretti, 37, worked as an intensive care unit nurse for the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, according to AFGE Professional Local 3669, which represents professional employees affiliated with the facility. A federal immigration officer shot and killed Pretti on Saturday, an incident that quickly sparked protests across the city despite frigid temperatures. Minneapolis had already remained tense following another fatal shooting weeks earlier.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed a 37-year-old man was killed but initially declined to identify him, citing limited information about what led up to the shooting. Pretti’s parents later identified him as the victim. Federal officials said the officer involved is an eight-year Border Patrol veteran.
Protests Grow as Officials Question Federal Account
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz activated the Minnesota National Guard as demonstrations intensified, per AP News. Guard troops assisted local police at both the shooting site and a nearby federal building, where protesters have gathered daily. The incident occurred just over a mile from where Renee Good, 37, was killed on Jan. 7 after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer fired into her vehicle.
AFGE confirmed Pretti worked at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center and said he “dedicated his life to serving American veterans.” In a statement, the union called the loss devastating, adding that the tragedy did not occur in isolation. AFGE President Everett Kelley said the incident reflected broader consequences tied to federal policies and rhetoric, emphasizing the need for de-escalation and accountability.
Pretti’s family released a statement Saturday evening expressing grief and anger, describing him as a kindhearted person committed to helping others through his work as a nurse. They disputed federal claims about the confrontation and urged the public to seek the truth about what happened.
The Department of Homeland Security alleged that Pretti approached Border Patrol agents with a 9mm handgun and violently resisted efforts to disarm him. Local officials challenged that version of events. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Gov. Walz criticized federal authorities for what they described as a rush to judgment while investigations remain ongoing.
Multiple videos circulating online appear to show federal agents spraying Pretti with a substance and pinning him to the ground before the shooting. Chief O’Hara later said Pretti was a legal gun owner and had no criminal record.
Haliburton’s Message and Personal Absence
As details spread, Haliburton addressed the incident directly on X, writing, “Alex Pretti was murdered.” The Pacers All-Star’s blunt message quickly drew attention, reflecting how the shooting resonated beyond Minneapolis.
Tyrese Haliburton
Alex Pretti was murdered.
Haliburton did not travel with Indiana for its matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder, a decision unrelated to the shooting but rooted in personal history. The game took place at Paycom Center, the same arena where Haliburton suffered his Achilles injury during Game 7 of last season’s NBA Finals.
Amazon Prime reporter Taylor Rooks explained that Haliburton chose to avoid the emotional weight tied to the venue, per OKC Thunder Wire. According to Rooks, Haliburton said the next time he returns will be when he can play and fully immerse himself in competition, rather than relive a moment that continues to linger.
Investigations into Pretti’s death remain ongoing as protests continue and officials await further evidence that could clarify what led to the fatal encounter.