Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama have issued a statement condemning the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old Minneapolis ICU nurse, calling the killing “a heartbreaking tragedy” and “a wake-up call to every American.” (Medium)
What the Obamas said
In their statement, the Obamas said Americans expect federal law enforcement and immigration agents to do a difficult job “in a lawful, accountable way,” and to work with state and local officials to ensure public safety—adding bluntly: “That’s not what we’re seeing in Minnesota.” (Medium)
They also criticized the visibility and tactics of federal operations in Minneapolis, describing masked agents and actions they said were “designed to intimidate, harass, provoke and endanger” residents. The former first couple argued the administration’s public explanations for the shootings have not been backed by “any serious investigation” and appear to be contradicted by video evidence. (ABC7 San Francisco)
What happened to Alex Pretti
Pretti was shot and killed during a federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis, triggering protests and renewed scrutiny of how immigration agents are operating in the city. Officials have made claims that Pretti was armed, while witnesses and circulating videos have fueled a sharply different public narrative about what happened in the moments before gunfire. (Los Angeles Times)
The Obamas’ statement referenced not only Pretti’s death but also the earlier killing of Renee Good, describing the pair of incidents as part of a wider breakdown in accountability and escalation in tensions. (Medium)
Calls for investigation and de-escalation
The former first couple said “this has to stop,” urging federal officials to reconsider their approach and work constructively with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, and local law enforcement to prevent further chaos while pursuing legitimate law enforcement goals. (Medium)
They also voiced support for peaceful demonstrations, framing them as a reminder that citizens must “speak out against injustice” and hold government accountable. (Medium)
What happens next
The shooting has intensified public pressure for a full accounting of federal actions in Minneapolis and for independent review of the use-of-force decisions involved in Pretti’s death. Meanwhile, competing official and eyewitness narratives—especially around what Pretti was doing and holding at the time—remain central to the political fallout and the broader national debate now unfolding. (The Guardian)
