NBA Star Haliburton Speaks Out: Shocking Murder of Alex Pretti Leaves Fans Reeling—What You Must Know!

A wave of outrage has swept through the sports community following the tragic killing of registered nurse Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis on Saturday. Pretti, 37, becomes the second individual shot and killed by federal authorities in the city within three weeks, as protests over former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies intensify. Officials from the Trump administration have alleged that Pretti intended to “massacre” federal officers using a handgun. However, video footage of the incident appears to challenge this claim.

Among those speaking out is Tyrese Haliburton, a two-time NBA All-Star and guard for the Indiana Pacers, who took to social media to express his heartbreak, writing, “Alex Pretti was murdered.” The response from the women's professional basketball league has been equally strong. Breanna Stewart, a two-time WNBA MVP and co-founder of the league Unrivaled, was seen holding a sign that read “ABOLISH ICE” before her team's game. Fellow WNBA star Angel Reese also voiced her concerns, posting on X, “Praying for our country.”

Stewart later elaborated on her message, stating, “We’re so fueled by hate right now instead of love, so I wanted to have a simple message of ‘Abolish ICE,’ which means having policies to uplift families and communities instead of fueling fear and violence.” This personal connection is significant for Stewart, whose wife, Marta Xargay, is in the process of applying for U.S. citizenship. Stewart noted the fear that the immigration crackdown instills in families, saying, “It’s scary… you see it splitting up families and dissecting communities and kids are being involved. It’s the worst in all ways.”

The reactions extend beyond basketball. Former Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark, now a broadcaster, honored Pretti with a heartfelt tribute on social media, stating, “Rest Easy Alex Pretti. Bro was a hero. Prayers to his family & loved ones. Senseless death… AGAIN!!” Dwight McGlothern Jr., a cornerback for the Minnesota Vikings, echoed similar feelings about the unrest, writing, “It’s not right what’s happening in Minnesota.”

Even Alan Page, a Hall of Famer and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, has been spotted among protesters in Minneapolis, standing against the current immigration policies. His participation highlights the deepening involvement of prominent figures in addressing systemic issues.

In response to the recent events, Minnesota's major professional sports teams—including the Vikings, Wild (NHL), Timberwolves (NBA), Lynx (WNBA), and Minnesota United FC (MLS)—have come together with local businesses to call for a peaceful resolution. In an open letter, they urged an “immediate de-escalation of tensions” and for state, local, and federal officials to collaborate on meaningful solutions.

The sports community's response follows a similar outcry after the earlier shooting death of another U.S. citizen, Renee Good, by federal officers. Steve Kerr, head coach of the Golden State Warriors, expressed his dismay over the situation, stating, “It’s shameful, really, that in our country we can have law enforcement officers who commit murder and seemingly get away with it.”

This growing involvement by athletes and teams signifies a shift in how public figures are addressing social justice issues. The call for accountability and reform in law enforcement practices resonates deeply, particularly amid ongoing civil unrest and protests across the nation.