Obama, Clinton say killings by agents should be wake-up call for US
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- Federal agents kill two citizens: Alex Pretti and Renee Good, both 37, were shot by immigration officers in Minneapolis, sparking outrage and claims of excessive force.
- Former presidents and officials respond: Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and local leaders condemned the deaths, while Trump blamed Democrats and said investigations are ongoing.
Former US Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton issued pointed statements Sunday urging Americans to defend their values following the deaths of two citizens in Minneapolis at the hands of federal immigration agents, an issue that President Donald Trump blamed on Democratic “chaos.”
Read more: Bill Clinton urges Americans “stand up, speak out” after Minneapolis killings
Second Killing Sparks Outrage
The Trump administration has faced intensifying scrutiny after federal agents shot and killed Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, Saturday during a scuffle on an icy roadway. Pretti’s death comes less than three weeks after Renee Good, also 37, was killed by an immigration officer in the same city.
Trump officials quickly claimed Pretti had intended to harm agents, citing a pistol found on him, similar to their explanation after Good’s death. However, widely shared video verified by US media showed Pretti never drew a weapon and was shot seconds after being sprayed with a chemical irritant and thrown to the ground.
Trump Blames Democrats
Trump attributed both deaths to Minnesota Democrats, including Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, writing on Truth Social that “Democrat run Sanctuary Cities and States are REFUSING to cooperate with ICE.” He added, “Tragically, two American Citizens have lost their lives as a result of this Democrat ensued chaos.”
Read more: Trump blames Democratic “chaos” for deaths of two Americans by federal agents
Families Condemn Administration Statements
Following claims that Pretti was an “assassin,” his parents condemned the administration’s portrayal of their son as “sickening lies.” Meanwhile, protesters gathered in Minneapolis Sunday, denouncing ICE. One sign read: “Be Pretti, be Good.”
Calls from Obama and Clinton
Barack and Michelle Obama called Pretti’s shooting a “wake-up call” that US values “are increasingly under assault.” Bill Clinton similarly criticized the administration, highlighting arrests, beatings, and deaths of peaceful protesters, urging Americans to “stand up, speak out” to protect their freedoms.
Investigations Underway
US Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche told NBC’s Meet the Press that a full investigation was needed. Trump declined to comment on whether the officer acted appropriately, saying only, “We’re looking, we’re reviewing everything and will come out with a determination.”
Several Republican senators called for thorough probes and cooperation with local authorities. Notably, Trump’s administration excluded local investigators from the earlier probe into Good’s death.
Governor Walz directly questioned the president: “What do we need to do to get these federal agents out of our state?” Meanwhile, 60 Minnesota-based businesses, including Target and General Mills, signed an open letter urging “immediate de-escalation of tensions.”
Rising Tensions in Minneapolis
Thousands of federal immigration agents have been deployed to heavily Democratic Minneapolis in recent weeks following reports of alleged fraud by Somali immigrants, which Trump has amplified. Residents, carrying whistles to alert neighbors of agents’ presence, have witnessed sometimes violent confrontations between immigration officers and protesters.
Attorney General Keith Ellison criticized the operation, saying, “It’s not about fraud... he’s sending armed masked men.” Recent polls indicate growing voter dissatisfaction with the administration’s domestic immigration actions, as videos of masked agents seizing people on sidewalks, including children, circulate widely.
