Chicago Sky star Angel Reese has issued a brief public message following the death of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse from Minneapolis who was killed during a federal immigration enforcement operation.Authorities confirmed that Pretti was shot on Saturday amid an operation targeting Jose Huerta-Chuma, an undocumented immigrant with a reported criminal history. According to federal officials cited by Fox News, agents claimed that Pretti approached officers while armed and resisted when they attempted to disarm him. The circumstances surrounding the encounter remain under investigation.

Following the incident, the Minneapolis Police Department acknowledged reports of a shooting involving federal law enforcement near 26th Street West and Nicollet Avenue, urging residents to remain calm and avoid the area while details were confirmed.Reese did not directly address the incident but shared a short message on social media, writing, “Praying for our country.” Her post quickly circulated online as public reaction to the case intensified.

Other athletes responded more directly. NBA player Tyrese Haliburton publicly stated that “Alex Pretti was murdered,” reflecting growing criticism from public figures and community members.Pretti’s family released a strongly worded statement expressing grief and anger. They described him as a compassionate ICU nurse who cared deeply for veterans at the Minneapolis VA hospital and said his final actions were focused on protecting another person.

The family disputed official claims, alleging that Pretti was holding a phone, not a weapon, at the time of the encounter and calling statements from authorities “lies.” They urged the public to seek the truth about what happened as investigations continue.