NEW YORK – The Vikings, Wild, Timberwolves, Lynx, Twins and Minnesota United FC have joined dozens of Minnesota-based companies that have signed an open letter asking state, local and federal officials to cooperate in the wake of the deadly shooting of two people by federal agents in the state.
The shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good came amid a massive crackdown on immigration that has sparked protests in Minnesota.
“In light of yesterday’s tragic news, we call for an immediate reduction in tensions and for federal, local and state officials to work together to find real solutions,” the open letter read.
The letter includes other calls from around the sports world, including a statement Sunday by the National Basketball Players Association that said NBA players “can no longer remain silent.”
“Now more than ever, we must protect the right to free speech and stand in solidarity with the people of Minnesota who are protesting and risking their lives for justice,” the NBPA’s statement read. “The NBA team, like the United States itself, is a community enriched by its global citizens, and we refuse to allow the flames of division to threaten the civil liberties meant to protect us all.”
The NBPA also extended its condolences to the families of Pretti and Good.
The NBA postponed Saturday’s game between the Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors in Minneapolis on Sunday, citing growing unrest in the city following Pretti’s shooting. Before the teams met on Sunday for a makeup session, Warriors coach Steve Kerr and Wolves teammate Chris Finch called it a mutual decision to postpone the game.
Each added to the tumult, with Finch calling Minnesota “my home,” something he said he’s proud of, and Kerr sharing his thoughts on the current state of the state.
“My concern as an American, we’re not perfect,” Kerr said before Golden State’s 111-85 win. “We haven’t been there. But I think our values have been in the right place for a long time, our values. Regardless of which side of the aisle you stand on, I think remembering the values that are consistent with the constitution, that are consistent with citizenship, the values of caring for each other, are very important right now because of the extremism that we can hear.”
After the blowout victory, Kerr called it “one of the weirdest, saddest games” he’s ever been a part of.
“You could feel the situation was sour, their team, we could see that they were struggling with everything that is happening and the city has gone through,” he said. “It was a sad, sad night. We got the win, we’re happy about that, but it’s hard to see a lot of people struggling. They came to the game to try to forget things, I think, but I don’t think anything went because of the city or their team. They were suffering.”
Warriors star Stephen Curry said he was “focused on television” on Saturday and called for a peaceful environment.
“I got the videos on my phone [of the protests],” Curry said after the game. “It felt like three straight hours in negative-10 degree weather. It was great to see that step in and it speaks to how important people feel that their voice is heard. They were out and it was amazing to watch.”
Two-time WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart also spoke out about the shooting, holding a sign reading “Abolish ICE” during a player introduction at Unrivaled on Sunday afternoon. And New York Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns, who spent the first nine years of his career playing for the Timberwolves, took to social media to express his support for that community, saying he stands with “the people of Minnesota.”
What is happening in the Twin Cities and the Great North Star State is heartbreaking to witness. These events have claimed lives and shaken families – and we must demand accountability, transparency, and protection for all people. This time we want to think honestly…
— Karl-Anthony Towns (@KarlTowns) January 26, 2026
CEOs who signed Sunday’s open letter include William Brown of 3M, Corie Barry of Best Buy, Jeff Harmening of General Mills, outgoing Target CEO Michael Fiddelke and Stephen Helmsley of UnitedHealth Group.
Prior to the book, many large Minnesota-based companies had not issued public statements about crowdsourcing and unrest.
But this issue has become very difficult to avoid. In the past two weeks, protesters have targeted businesses they see as not taking a strong stand against federal enforcement, including Target in Minneapolis. Earlier in January, a Minnesota hotel that would not allow immigration agents to stay there apologized and said the refusal violated its policies after an online uproar.
Meanwhile, the state of Minnesota and the Twin Cities cited the negative economic impact in a lawsuit filed this month urging a federal judge to halt immigration enforcement. The lawsuit alleges that some businesses have reported sales down by as much as 80%.
“At this critical moment in our community, we ask for calm and focused cooperation among local, state and federal leaders to find a swift and strong solution that allows our families, businesses, workers and communities across Minnesota to resume our work to build a brighter and more prosperous future,” the letter read.
ESPN’s Anthony Slater and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
