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Former NBA star Isaiah Thomas was furious over the Border Patrol shooting of a Minnesota man on Saturday.
Alex J. Pretti was identified as the 37-year-old Minneapolis man who was shot and killed after he allegedly confronted officers during a Department of Homeland Security operation in the southern part of the city.
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Charlotte Hornets guard Isaiah Thomas (4) looks to drive during the first half against the Boston Celtics at Spectrum Center on March 9, 2022. (Sam Sharpe/USA TODAY Sports)
Thomas was among those who criticized federal officials. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials did not appear to be involved in the shooting.
“6 guys beating the f— up of ONE person and then KILLING HIM!! Fuck ICE agents. 6 against one and you all still shoot and kill someone. You all had him outnumbered and decided to KILL HIM like it was a video game and he can just get his life back smh,” he wrote on X.
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ game against the Golden State Warriors was postponed in reaction to the incident.
Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino said at a news conference that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents were conducting an operation early Saturday against José Huerta-Chuma, an illegal immigrant with a criminal record that included domestic battery to intentional bodily harm, disorderly conduct and driving without a valid license.
Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) watches during the first half of game seven of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Washington Wizards at TD Garden on May 15, 2017. (Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports)
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Pretti allegedly approached Border Patrol agents while armed with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun and two magazines during the operation, according to DHS.
State officials said Pretti had a legal permit to carry (PTC).
The officer involved in the shooting, according to Bovino, was “highly trained” and had worked as a Border Patrol agent for eight years.
DHS is leading the investigation into the shooting, with assistance from the FBI.
President Donald Trump responded to the shooting at Truth Social and questioned why local police did not assist during the standoff.
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“This is the gunman’s gun, loaded (with two extra full magazines!) and ready to fire. What’s that all about?” the president wrote in part. “Where are the local police? Why weren’t they allowed to protect ICE officers? Did the mayor and governor cancel them? It is claimed that many of these police officers were not allowed to do their jobs, that ICE had to protect themselves. Not an easy thing to do!”
