NBA stars speak out on Alex Pretti case: “He was murdered”

The city of Minneapolis is experiencing one of its most tense and controversial moments in years following the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Jeffrey Pretti at the hands of federal immigration agents during two ICE and Border Patrol operations in downtown Minneapolis. The most recent case, the second this month, has become a flashpoint.

Pretti, a US citizen with no criminal record, was among observers and protesters when he was shot and killed by US government agents. Authorities have yet to fully clarify the sequence of events, but the incident has already triggered mass protests, political debate, and widespread reaction across social media and news outlets.

Against this backdrop of rising tension, current and former NBA figures have used their platforms to voice their views and condemn what many see as an abuse of power and an act of unjustified violence. Below are some of the most notable statements, as written:

Thomas, Barkley and Haliburton speak out

Isaiah Thomas reacted on X in an expletive riddled post “6 guys beating the shit outta ONE person then KILLING him!! Fuck the ICE agents. 6 against one and yall still shoot and kill somebody. Yall had him out numbered and decided to KILL him like it was a video game and he can just he his life back smh”

Charles Barkley (on Inside the NBA): “You know, man, it’s unbelievable. Going back to it, I think her name was Renee Good, who they were protesting for when Alex Pretti was killed. And today is just sad. It’s scary, it’s sad, and I don’t know how this is going to end. It’s already ended badly twice, and someone has to step up and act like an adult because two people have died for no reason. It’s just sad.”

Tyrese Haliburton posted on social media: “He was murdered,” referring to the fact that Pretti died at the hands of government agents.

The reaction from the basketball world adds to a broader public response that includes other figures from entertainment, politics, and activism, highlighting how the Pretti case has moved beyond a local incident to become a symbol in a national debate over accountability, the use of force by federal agents, and social tensions in the United States.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.