Experts Warn of Psychological Toll from Witnessing Minneapolis Shootings

Mental health professionals say seeing violent events can lead to anxiety, depression, and trauma, especially in one's own community.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 3:15pm

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Psychologists and psychiatrists say that witnessing violent events, such as the recent fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal agents in Minneapolis, can have significant psychological impacts. Studies have shown that exposure to negative news and violent imagery can increase symptoms of anxiety and depression, and witnessing an unexpected death can be especially traumatic. Experts advise limiting news consumption, getting involved with supportive communities, and maintaining healthy activities to protect mental well-being during stressful times.

Why it matters

The recent shootings in Minneapolis have sparked widespread outrage and concern, with many residents witnessing the disturbing events either in person or through viral videos. Experts warn that such exposure to violence, especially in one's own community, can have lasting mental health consequences that go beyond the immediate tragedy.

The details

Over the past few weeks, many Americans have seen upsetting and often violent images and videos of protests in Minneapolis amid a federal immigration enforcement operation. Among the widely circulated footage were the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, involving federal agents just 17 days apart. Psychologists and psychiatrists say that witnessing a death can add an extra level of distress and lead to long-lasting consequences, including increased symptoms of anxiety and depression. Studies have shown that even brief exposure to negative news can worsen mood and anxiety, and greater daily exposure to distressing events is linked to higher levels of worry and hopelessness.

  • On January 23, 2026, demonstrators participated in a rally and march during an 'ICE Out' day of protest in Minneapolis.
  • On January 28, 2026, the article was published.

The players

Renee Good

A U.S. citizen who was fatally shot by federal agents in Minneapolis.

Alex Pretti

A U.S. citizen who was fatally shot by federal agents in Minneapolis, 17 days after the shooting of Renee Good.

Dr. Pierluigi Mancini

A psychologist and interim president and CEO of the nonprofit Mental Health America.

Johannes Eichstaedt

A co-author of a study on the emotional and mental health impacts after the death of George Floyd, and an assistant professor in psychology at Stanford University.

Dr. Anthony Feinstein

A professor of psychiatry at the University of Toronto.

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What they’re saying

“So, people will experience fear, they'll experience hypervigilance, they'll experience emotional exhaustion, and they will have effects on their mental health.”

— Dr. Pierluigi Mancini, Psychologist and interim president and CEO of Mental Health America (ABC News)

“There is a very real fear response in the human body with lots of physiological consequences that are very real and when something like this happens and it's recorded like this and then it traumatizes more or less everybody who watches this.”

— Johannes Eichstaedt, Assistant professor in psychology at Stanford University (ABC News)

“It is extremely traumatic to see someone die. Once that sinks in that you witnessed someone lose their life, especially in a violent situation. It's always traumatic even if you're next to a loved one who's passing and you're expecting it, but when it's unexpected and when it is violent, it is extremely difficult to watch and to process.”

— Dr. Pierluigi Mancini, Psychologist and interim president and CEO of Mental Health America (ABC News)

What’s next

Experts advise that people can take steps to protect their mental health, such as limiting time spent watching news coverage, getting involved with supportive communities, and maintaining healthy activities.

The takeaway

The recent shootings in Minneapolis have had a profound psychological impact on the community, highlighting the need for greater awareness and support for mental health in the face of traumatic events. By taking proactive steps to manage exposure and seek out positive coping mechanisms, individuals can mitigate the long-term effects of witnessing such violence.