Minneapolis Grapples with Fate of Streetside Memorials for Slain Residents

City must decide how to manage makeshift memorials honoring victims of federal agent killings

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

As the Trump administration's immigration crackdown in Minnesota winds down, Minneapolis is now faced with the challenge of managing makeshift memorial sites that have sprung up to commemorate two U.S. citizens killed by federal agents last month. Piles of flowers, signs, and artwork have formed at the locations where Renee Good and Alex Pretti were fatally shot, becoming sites of community grieving and vigils. The city must now determine the future of these high-profile memorials, echoing the years-long process it took to officially memorialize the site of George Floyd Square.

Why it matters

The memorials to Good and Pretti reflect the ongoing trauma and outrage felt by the Minneapolis community over the killings, which occurred in the same city where George Floyd was murdered by a police officer in 2020. How the city chooses to handle these makeshift memorial sites will be closely watched, as it grapples with balancing public grieving spaces with practical concerns around traffic and safety.

The details

Within hours of Renee Good's killing on January 7, a memorial sprung up at the Minneapolis street where she died. And before the tear gas had even cleared from Alex Pretti's killing on January 24, protesters had already used branches, police tape, and candles to mark the site. The memorials have since grown to include crosses, stuffed animals, American flags, and images of the victims. While the street where Good died remains open with a narrow walkway for visitors, the area around Pretti's memorial has had traffic lanes temporarily shifted and parking closed off to protect those gathering there.

  • Renee Good was killed on January 7, 2026.
  • Alex Pretti was killed on January 24, 2026.

The players

Renee Good

A U.S. citizen who was fatally shot by federal agents in Minneapolis last month, sparking a makeshift memorial at the site of her killing.

Alex Pretti

A U.S. citizen who was fatally shot by federal agents in Minneapolis last month, prompting the creation of a makeshift memorial at the site of his killing.

George Floyd

A man who was murdered by a police officer in Minneapolis in 2020, leading to the creation of the George Floyd Square memorial site.

Jacob Frey

The mayor of Minneapolis who said it is 'too early' to comment on whether the memorials for Good and Pretti will be made permanent.

Jess Olstad

A spokesperson for the city of Minneapolis who said the city's top priority is to give the community space to grieve and heal.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is so unfair, the trauma, for everyone, is too much. We're all in this together. And I'm really glad they have this here so everybody can come and be together.”

— Karel Hoffmann, Minnesota resident (whdh.com)

“I printed both of their pictures and put those on there again, just to signify the love that we have for both of them, really, and their contributions to the community and supporting their neighbors.”

— Lynn Elrod, Nurse (whdh.com)

What’s next

The city of Minneapolis is 'actively working on next steps, including continued community engagement regarding both memorials.' It remains to be seen whether the makeshift memorials will be made permanent.

The takeaway

The memorials to Renee Good and Alex Pretti reflect the ongoing trauma and grief felt by the Minneapolis community over the killings of two of its residents by federal agents. How the city chooses to handle these public grieving spaces will be closely watched, as it balances the need for community healing with practical concerns around traffic and safety.