Identity of American citizen shot dead by Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis revealed
The man shot and killed by Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis has been identified as Alex Preti, a U.S. citizen and intensive care unit nurse.
Stars are speaking out about the shooting death of Alex Preti in Minneapolis.
Celebrities including Olivia Rodrigo and Jamie Lee Curtis spoke out on social media in response to a video showing Preti, a veteran ICU nurse, being shot and killed by Border Patrol agents on January 24th.
Rodrigo shared a post on his Instagram Story claiming there is a “murderous federal agency terrorizing American cities.” The singer also wrote, “ICE’s actions are unconscionable, but we are not powerless. Our actions matter. I stand with Minnesota.”
Preti’s killing has sparked outrage and protests in Minnesota, already on edge since 37-year-old Renee Good was shot and killed by ICE agents earlier this month. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said the state’s law enforcement agencies are conducting a “full, fair and transparent” investigation into Preti’s death.
On Instagram, Curtis shared artwork honoring both Pretty and Goode, writing, “They were Americans! Shot by our government!” The “Halloween” star also posted a video of Preeti’s shooting on her Instagram Story with the message, “There’s too much that needs to be amplified for me to be quiet right now.”
Mark Ruffalo posted on Blue Sky that the video of Preti’s shooting shows that “cold-blooded murder by Occupation gangs is wreaking havoc on America’s streets.” He added: “We have fought wars in other countries for less.”
Pedro Pascal shared a number of posts on his Instagram Stories criticizing ICE and federal officials’ explanations for the shootings, including one from New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani, who said ICE is “terrorizing our city” and should be abolished.
Several stars, including Janelle Monáe and Megan Stalter, offered their followers instructions on how to call their representatives and urge them to defund ICE. “Keep talking, keep sharing, keep praying,” Stalter wrote. “I have full trust in God, but what is happening now is pure evil.”
“Hamilton” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda also shared a post from the National Immigration Law Center that read “ICE GET OUT.”
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told reporters that Preti “came here with weapons and ammunition to thwart the law enforcement operations of federal law enforcement officers” and that his intent was to “inflict maximum damage and kill law enforcement officers.” However, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz vowed that “Minnesota’s judicial system will make the final decision on this matter.” In an affidavit filed in federal court hours after the shooting in connection with an ACLU class action lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security, witnesses to the shooting said they did not see Preti “attacking any personnel or brandishing a weapon of any kind.”
Preti’s murder occurred during the Sundance Film Festival in Utah, where several celebrities spoke out against ICE while promoting their films.
In an interview with Variety at Sundance, Natalie Portman, who wore an “ICE Out” and “Be Good” pin, said, “We’re at a very devastating moment in this country’s history. I think it’s really impossible not to talk about what’s going on right now, the brutality of ICE, and how it has to stop immediately.”
Olivia Wilde, who also wore an ICE Out pin at the film festival, told Variety: “I’m appalled and sickened. I just accept this as the new norm and I can’t live another day. It’s outrageous. People are being murdered. And I don’t want to normalize seeing people being murdered on the internet or in movies. It’s horrible.”
Contributors: Michael Loria, N’dea Yancey-Bragg, Kathryn Palmer
