Following a fatal shooting of an ICU nurse in Minneapolis, Barack and Michelle Obama urged Americans to pay attention to the growing violence associated with Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions.
The Obamas expressed deep sadness over the death of Alex Pretti in a statement shared online. They added that this tragedy should remind all Americans, no matter their political beliefs, that many of the principles important to our country are facing growing challenges.
Thirty-seven-year-old nurse, Pretti, was filming ICE agents in a Minneapolis neighborhood on Saturday morning when he witnessed them forcefully pushing a woman. He intervened to help her and was then himself pushed, sprayed with a chemical irritant, and ultimately tackled to the ground. He sustained ten gunshot wounds.
Nationwide protests took place on Sunday against the actions of ICE and statements made by President Trump and his administration. Following the death of Pretti, some officials suggested he was at fault for carrying a weapon while participating in a protest.
So, from what I understand, the guy, Pretti, had a permit to carry a hidden weapon. And a lot of gun rights advocates are really upset about some of the things officials have been saying, and they’re demanding a thorough investigation into exactly what happened to him. It’s a pretty tense situation, and they want all the facts out there.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara expressed serious concern on Sunday, urging calm as the city deals with a large influx of hundreds of ICE agents. He told CBS News that the current situation is unsustainable and that his officers are overwhelmed trying to manage the resulting disruption.
California
Bill Essayli, the leading federal prosecutor in Los Angeles and a strong supporter of Donald Trump’s policies, is facing strong backlash from gun rights organizations, including the NRA.
“This has to stop,” the Obamas wrote.
President and Mrs. Obama acknowledged the challenging work of federal law enforcement and immigration agents. They emphasized that Americans expect these agents to act legally and be held accountable, and to collaborate with state and local authorities to keep communities safe.
According to the former first couple, the situation in Minnesota is quite different – they’re actually observing the opposite of what’s being reported.
Protests increased on Sunday after people saw cell phone videos of the shooting of Pretti, recorded by those who witnessed it.
Susan and Michael Pretti, in a statement to the Associated Press, described their son as a caring person who loved his family and friends. They also noted his dedication to the American veterans he cared for as an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital.
This shooting happened less than three weeks after an ICE agent shot Renee Nicole Good, an unarmed mother, in a different part of Minneapolis. While the agency claims she tried to hurt the agent, video footage suggests she was actually steering her SUV away from him when he shot her in the face.
As a critic, I’ve been following the national uproar over the recent actions in a major American city, and frankly, it’s justified. For weeks, we’ve seen masked federal agents – including ICE – operating with what feels like complete freedom, and their tactics are deeply troubling. It’s not just about a strong police presence; it feels deliberately designed to scare, harass, and even put residents in danger. The Obamas rightly point out that these methods are unprecedented, and I agree – it’s a disturbing spectacle to witness.
Politics
I remember the first time I really heard Barack Obama. He was still a relatively new Illinois lawmaker, and I was in my office, listening to the Senate on a little speaker. He started speaking, and honestly, it was captivating. His words were so powerful and beautifully delivered that I instinctively turned up the volume – I just had to listen more closely.
In a statement, the Obamas said the President and his team appear quick to worsen the conflict and are publicly justifying the shootings of Mr. Pretti and Renee Good without a thorough investigation – and their explanations seem to clash with available video footage.
“This has to stop,” the Obamas wrote.
Officials urged the Trump administration to change its strategy and collaborate with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, and other state and local leaders to prevent further unrest and effectively address law enforcement needs.
The Obamas encouraged all Americans to support and be inspired by the peaceful protests happening in Minneapolis and across the nation. They emphasized that it’s everyone’s responsibility to stand up against unfairness, defend our rights, and ensure our government is held accountable.
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2026-01-26 01:31