Unraveling the truth behind the shooting death of Alex Preti in Minneapolis
Videos taken by witnesses did not show Alex Preti holding a gun before he was shot and killed by federal agents.
On January 25, the CEOs of 60 Minnesota-based companies, including Target, Best Buy, and General Mills, released a letter calling on Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Trump administration, and state and local authorities to “immediately de-escalate tensions” in response to the fatal shooting of a man by federal agents in Minneapolis.
The letter from the CEOs was posted on the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce’s website, and the chamber also issued a press release shortly after noon CT on January 25th, Matt Boehm confirmed to the chamber to USA TODAY.
“In the wake of yesterday’s tragic news, we call for an immediate de-escalation of tensions and for state, local, and federal officials to work together to find real solutions,” the letter reads.
CEO in ‘close communication’ with Trump and Vance
In a three-paragraph letter, the CEOs said their Minnesota companies have been working with federal, state and local officials over the past several weeks to “advance real solutions.”
Their efforts included “close communication” with Gov. Tim Walz, President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and “local mayors.”
“The recent challenges facing our country have resulted in widespread disruption and tragic loss of life,” the letter said. “There are ways we can come together to foster progress.”
When asked by USA TODAY if the letter was in the works before 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti was shot and killed on Jan. 24, the chamber’s Boehm declined to comment. The incident sparked further protests across the city and country.
“We have worked for generations to build a strong and vibrant state here in Minnesota, and we intend to do so with equal and even greater commitment in the months and years to come,” CEOS said in the letter.
“During this difficult time for our communities, we call for peace and focused cooperation among local, state, and federal leaders to achieve quick and lasting solutions so that families, businesses, employees, and communities across Minnesota can resume their efforts to build a bright and prosperous future.”
Letter signed by CEOs from Target, Best Buy and food companies
The letter was signed by CEOs of companies with large national and, in some cases, international locations, as well as regional and statewide companies.
This includes retailers such as Target and Best Buy, and food companies such as General Mills and Cargill. Also included were companies such as 3M and US Bancorp, as well as sports teams such as the Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx.
A Target spokesperson confirmed to USA TODAY that incoming CEO Michael Fidelke, who will begin his new role on February 1 after serving as chief operating officer, signed the floor letter. But a spokesperson declined to comment further on the letter or when the CEOs were working on it. The spokesperson also declined further comment on any issues related to Target and ICE activities or protests.
Betty Lin-Fisher is a consumer reporter for USA TODAY. Contact her at blinfisher@USATODAY.com or follow her at @blinfisher on X, Facebook and Instagram and @blinfisher.bsky.social on Bluesky.. Sign up for our free The Daily Money newsletter, breaking down complex consumer and financial news. Subscribe here.
