NBA Stars Condemn Alex Pretti Shooting In Minnesota

Donovan Mitchell, Tyrese Haliburton, and other players speak out after fatal police shooting

Jan. 27, 2026 at 10:39am

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Several NBA superstars, including Donovan Mitchell, Tyrese Haliburton, and Karl-Anthony Towns, have condemned the police shooting of Alex Pretti in Minnesota. The players expressed outrage, called for accountability, and said the incident has become "the norm" in the country. The NBA Players Association also released a statement defending the right to free speech and standing in solidarity with protesters demanding justice.

Why it matters

The police shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis has sparked outrage and protests, with NBA players using their platform to condemn the incident and call for change. The case highlights ongoing issues of police violence and racial injustice that have been at the forefront of national conversations.

The details

According to reports, Pretti, a U.S. citizen, was shot and killed by police officers in Minnesota over the weekend. NBA stars like Donovan Mitchell, Tyrese Haliburton, and Karl-Anthony Towns have spoken out, expressing disbelief and demanding accountability. The NBA Players Association also released a statement supporting the protesters and defending the right to free speech.

  • The shooting of Alex Pretti occurred over the weekend in Minnesota.
  • NBA players made their comments on the incident in the days following the shooting.

The players

Donovan Mitchell

An NBA superstar who plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Tyrese Haliburton

An NBA player who currently plays for the Indiana Pacers.

Karl-Anthony Towns

An NBA player who was previously with the Minnesota Timberwolves and is now with the New York Knicks.

Jaylen Brown

The president of the NBA Players Association and a star player for the Boston Celtics.

Charles Barkley

A former NBA player and current ESPN analyst.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know the whole situation of the people that got murdered, but I do know this is BS. It's BS. That's just been my standpoint on it.”

— Donovan Mitchell (TMZ)

“Following the news of yet another fatal shooting in Minneapolis, a city that has been on the forefront of the fight against injustices, NBA players can no longer remain silent. Now more than ever, we must defend the right to freedom of speech and stand in solidarity with the people in Minnesota protesting and risking their lives to demand justice.”

— Jaylen Brown, President, NBA Players Association (TMZ)

“It's scary. It's sad. It's gonna end bad — it's already ended badly twice. Somebody's got to step up and be adults because, man, two people have died for no reason and it's just sad.”

— Charles Barkley (ESPN)

What’s next

The NBA and its players are expected to continue speaking out and using their platforms to demand justice and accountability in the wake of the Alex Pretti shooting.

The takeaway

The strong reactions from NBA stars highlight the ongoing national conversation around police violence and racial injustice, with players using their platforms to condemn these incidents and call for meaningful change.