The Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night issued a public statement seeking to bring people together after two separate, fatal shootings this month in Minneapolis involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have stirred widespread public anger.
In its message, the team extended condolences and support to residents across the Twin Cities and statewide who have been affected by the recent events, saying, "We, the Minnesota Timberwolves players, extend our sincere sympathies and love to everyone across the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota who has been affected by the recent tragic events impacting our communities."
The statement was released in the wake of two incidents earlier this month in which ICE agents shot two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis. One of those episodes occurred on January 7, when an ICE officer shot Renee Good while she was in her car. In a separate episode, Alex Pretti was shot by two federal officers after he refused to move out of the street when ordered by a customs officer. The shooting of Pretti led to the postponement of a scheduled game between the Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors last Saturday.
Large demonstrations have followed the shootings. Thousands of people marched through Minneapolis last Friday in frigid temperatures, calling for an end to President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown in the city.
Amid the heightened tensions, the Timberwolves' statement emphasized a unifying message, urging Minnesotans to support one another and reject division. The team said, "Minnesota is strongest when we uplift and support one another, and there is no room for hatred or division across our great state or among all who live here."
The team added: "We mourn the lives lost and send strength, peace and compassion to all who are hurting. We believe in the resilience, unity and care that define Minnesotans, and bring our communities together in times of hardship and need."
The Timberwolves' appeal comes as community tensions remain high following the two fatal shootings involving federal immigration agents. The team's public comments reflect an effort to promote healing and solidarity while local residents continue to respond to the incidents and their aftermath.