Minnesota CEOs Call for De-escalation Following Alex Pretti’s Fatal Shooting
The tragic shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, by a Border Patrol agent has intensified calls for de-escalation among Minnesota’s business leaders. Pretti was fatally shot in Minneapolis while filming federal agents involved in an immigration operation. This incident follows another fatal shooting by an ICE agent earlier this year, heightening tensions in the region.
Business Leaders Unite for Peace
In response to the escalating violence, over 60 CEOs from major Minnesota-based companies co-signed a letter advocating for immediate action. The letter, distributed by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, urges local, state, and federal officials to collaborate and seek meaningful solutions to the crisis.
- Signatories include leaders from:
- Target (Michael Fiddelke)
- 3M (William Brown)
- Allianz Life (Jasmine Jirele)
- Cargill (Brian Sikes)
- General Mills (Jeff Harmening)
- UnitedHealth Group (Stephen Hemsley)
The letter emphasizes the need for peace and cooperation to restore normalcy for families and businesses across Minnesota. “We call for peace and focused cooperation among leaders,” it states, highlighting the urgency for a viable path forward.
Ongoing Protests and Community Tensions
The communities of Minneapolis and St. Paul have experienced ongoing protests since December when the Department of Homeland Security increased the presence of immigration agents. These protests intensified following the killing of Renee Good by an ICE agent in January, contributing to a volatile atmosphere.
Tech Leaders’ Reactions
Amid these developments, notable tech executives have also voiced their concerns. Many employees are calling on their companies to withdraw support for ICE operations in their cities. A petition with over 250 signatures from workers at Amazon and Google demands tech leaders to advocate for the cessation of ICE actions and to sever corporate ties with the agency.
Some tech executives, including Apple’s Tim Cook and Amazon’s Andy Jassy, were present at a recent White House event. Following the shooting, hedge fund manager Bill Ackman and other industry figures took to social media, urging for calm and accountability in the wake of the violence.
Outrage Among Industry Leaders
James Dyett, a representative from OpenAI, expressed frustration over the lack of vocal opposition from tech executives regarding the situation. He pointed out the disparity between the outrage over economic policies versus the silence surrounding the recent violence against civilians.
As Minnesota grapples with this crisis, the call for de-escalation from its business and community leaders remains critical to restoring stability and safety in the region.
