At a Glance
- Jimmy Kimmel broke into tears during his Jan. 26 monologue over the death of ICU nurse Alex Pretti.
- He condemned federal immigration agents as “goons” and demanded a full investigation.
- Kimmel urged viewers to watch all footage and called on right-wing leaders to act.
Why it matters: The incident highlights tensions between federal law-enforcement agencies and the public, especially in cities that voted against former President Donald Trump.
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Jimmy Kimmel’s Emotional Monologue
During a late-night broadcast on January 26, Jimmy Kimmel delivered an impassioned speech about the killing of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse in Minneapolis. He described the federal agents as “goons committing vile, heartless and even criminal acts,” and accused them of creating a chaotic environment where rules are made on the spot.
Kimmel referenced the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross on January 7, noting that Good was shot in her vehicle while Pretti was shot in a public space. He highlighted that Pretti was a licensed gun owner in an open-carry state but did not draw or touch a weapon before being shot.
> “They fired 10 times on an ICU nurse, and they’re telling us, ‘Well it was justified.’ Is that the law and order you voted for?” Kimmel asked.
He also pointed out that many people who were upset about Kyle Rittenhouse were silent when Pretti was killed, suggesting a double standard in public outrage.
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The Incident and the Video Evidence
At approximately 9 a.m. local time on Saturday, January 24, DHS law-enforcement officers were conducting a targeted operation in Minneapolis. According to DHS assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin, officers fatally shot Pretti after an individual allegedly approached U.S. Border Patrol officers with a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun and “violently resisted” as they tried to disarm him.
However, widely circulated footage-verified by The New York Times-shows a different scenario:
- Pretti was standing among a group of protesters with both hands visible, holding his phone.
- An agent sprayed pepper spray at the crowd.
- Several agents moved in on Pretti, who did not appear to be holding or reaching for a weapon as he was pinned on the sidewalk.
Kimmel used clips from Fox News during his monologue and urged viewers to watch “every angle” of the footage to decide for themselves.
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Kimmel’s Call for Investigation and Political Commentary
After the audience applauded, Kimmel demanded an investigation before calling out DHS Secretary Kristi Noem for allegedly “gaslighting” Americans over Pretti’s death. He criticized Noem for telling viewers that what they saw was not real.
> “I’m convinced now that the only people who can stop it are on the right,” Kimmel said. “We need some decent people on the right to show some courage and some common sense.”
He also urged right-wing leaders to step forward, saying:
- “We need to find subjects we can agree on.”
- “Can we agree that peaceful protestors don’t deserve to be shot dead by the people we are paying to protect us?”
Kimmel ended his segment with a message for Pretti’s family and the people of Minneapolis, emphasizing that they are not alone.
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Key Takeaways
- Jimmy Kimmel used his platform to condemn the killing of Alex Pretti and to call for a transparent investigation.
- Video evidence contradicts DHS’s initial account, showing Pretti unarmed and surrounded by protesters.
- The incident has sparked a broader debate about federal law-enforcement conduct, especially in cities that voted against former President Trump.
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Related Topics
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Federal Immigration Enforcement | Role of DHS and ICE in Minneapolis |
| Public Reaction | Social media and political responses |
| Legal Proceedings | Potential investigations and lawsuits |
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Final Note
Kimmel’s emotional monologue underscores the national conversation about law-enforcement accountability and the protection of civilians in public spaces. The case of Alex Pretti remains a focal point for calls for justice and policy reform.
