Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks
Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks
New York Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns on Sunday issued a powerful statement condemning recent fatal shootings in Minneapolis that have riveted the nation and reignited debates over federal immigration enforcement.
“What is happening in the Twin Cities and the Great North Star State is heartbreaking to witness,” Towns wrote on X. “These events have cost lives and shaken families — and we must call for accountability, transparency, and protections for all people… My thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences are with the families of Renée Good and Alex Pretti. I stand with the people of Minnesota.”
Towns — who was the Minnesota Timberwolves’ No. 1 overall draft pick in 2015 and played there until being traded to the Knicks in 2024 — has deep ties to the region now at the center of national scrutiny.
Second Fatal Shooting by Federal Agents Draws Outrage
Federal authorities said the agent fired in self-defense after Pretti allegedly resisted disarmament. However, a bystander video reviewed by ABC News appears to show Pretti holding a cellphone moments before he was tackled and shot, prompting calls for an independent investigation and further review of the incident.
The shooting — the second fatal encounter involving federal immigration agents in Minneapolis in recent weeks — sparked large protests and clashes with law enforcement. City officials and community leaders have publicly questioned the federal account of events and demanded transparency, according to reporting from WCVB-TV and other national outlets.
Earlier Death of Renée Good Sparked Protests
The unrest began earlier this month following the Jan. 7, 2026, death of Renée Nicole Good, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen and mother of three, who was shot and killed by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Minneapolis.
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Good’s death a homicide, citing multiple gunshot wounds as the cause of death, according to People.com.
Federal officials have said the ICE agent fired after Good allegedly attempted to strike officers with her vehicle. That account has been disputed by Good’s family and local leaders, who have called for a thorough and transparent investigation. The Associated Press reported that community advocates and elected officials have raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the use of lethal force.
NBPA Issues Statement Calling for Unity and Civil Liberties
The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) issued its own statement in response to the shootings, saying NBA players “can no longer remain silent” after yet another fatal encounter in Minneapolis. The union stressed the importance of freedom of speech and solidarity with protesters demanding justice, and extended condolences to the families of both Pretti and Good.
“Following the news of yet another fatal shooting in Minneapolis, a city that has been at the forefront of the fight against injustices, NBA players can no longer remain silent … We refuse to let the flames of division threaten the civil liberties that are meant to protect us all,” the NBPA statement said.
The players’ union maintained its focus on community safety and well-being, aligning with civic calls for restraint and accountability.
Towns’ Minnesota Roots Give Weight to His Remarks
Towns’ connection to Minnesota — where he rose to NBA stardom before joining the Knicks — gives added resonance to his comments during this heightened period of civil discourse.
As investigations continue and protests persist, Towns joins a growing number of athletes and public figures using their platforms to speak out on issues of law enforcement conduct, civil liberties, and community safety — conversations that continue to resonate far beyond Minneapolis.