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San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama said Tuesday he was “horrified” by the news in recent days following the Border Patrol shooting of a Minnesota man.
Wembanyama was the latest NBA player to speak out about the incident that left Alex J. Pretti dead in Minneapolis on Saturday.
The incident sparked widespread condemnation and led to the postponement of a game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors.
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San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama brings the ball up court against the Utah Jazz during the first half on Jan. 22, 2026, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rob Gray)
“PR has tried, but I’m not going to sit here and give something politically correct,” he told reporters. “Every day I wake up and watch the news and I’m horrified. I think it’s crazy that some people make it seem or make it seem acceptable, like the killing of civilians is acceptable.
“I read the news and sometimes I ask myself very deep questions about my own life. I am also aware that saying everything that is on my mind would be too costly for me at this moment. That is why I prefer not to go into too much detail.”
The 22-year-old Frenchman agreed that he was somewhat afraid to speak out because of the repercussions he could face. He did not specify what repercussions.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) dribbles against New Orleans Pelicans center Derik Queen (22) in the first half at Frost Bank Center on Jan. 25, 2026. (Daniel Dunn/Image Images)
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“It’s terrible,” he added. “I know I’m a foreigner and I live in this country. I’m sure I’m worried.”
Pretti was shot and killed after he allegedly confronted agents during a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) operation in the southern part of the city. The shooting death came a few weeks after a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer shot and killed Renee Nicole Good.
DHS said Good was shot in self-defense after he used his SUV in a way that posed a threat. DHS said the video showed Good interfering with ICE officers by parking his vehicle on the road in an apparent attempt to block federal vehicles.
The National Basketball Players Association also condemned the Border Patrol’s actions.
“Following news of another deadly shooting in Minneapolis, a city that has been at the forefront of the fight against injustice, NBA players can no longer remain silent,” the union said. “Now more than ever, we must defend the right to free speech and stand in solidarity with the people of Minnesota who are protesting and risking their lives to demand justice.
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“The NBA playing fraternity, 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 that must protect us all. The NBPA and its members extend our deepest condolences to the families of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, as our thoughts remain focused on the safety and well-being of all members of our community.”
