Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry noted an “amazing” turnout in what he described as “peaceful protests” in Minneapolis over the weekend.
Curry commented on the protests Sunday night after the Warriors beat the Minnesota Timberwolves by 26 points. The Warriors arrived in Minnesota on Friday in preparation for the Sunday game. On Saturday, a Border Patrol agent shot and killed Alex Pretti, 37, after Pretti allegedly got involved during a federal operation.
Pretti’s death marked the second fatal shooting by federal law enforcement in Minneapolis since Renee Good’s shooting death on Jan. 7.
This shooting and the subsequent uproar resulted in the NBA game, originally slated for Saturday, being postponed to Sunday. Before Sunday’s game, the Target Center held a moment of silence while displaying Pretti’s image on the jumbotron.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Alex Pretti that occurred yesterday in Minneapolis. We extend our love, support, and heartfelt sympathies to Alex’s family, friends, and our community during this difficult time,” an announcer said before the moment of silence.
Curry welcomed the postponement and said after Sunday’s game, “Obviously, there was no need and no place to have a game yesterday.”
“I know there’s a lot of heavy hearts and a lot of things, especially from the Minneapolis community. Yesterday was rough,” Curry said. “It was amazing to watch the turnout and peaceful protests, the unified voice that was here.”
“It was like three straight hours in negative 10-degree weather. It was beautiful to see that turnout,” Curry added. “That speaks to how important people felt to have their voice heard in those elements and on the streets right outside our hotel; they were out, and it was amazing to watch.”
Curry’s characterization ran in contrast to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara’s, who alerted the public that it was an “unlawful assembly.” Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin posted on X that a Homeland Security Investigations officer had his finger bitten off by rioters in the area.
SIXTY CEOS IN MINNESOTA CALL FOR ‘IMMEDIATE, DEESCALATION OF TENSIONS’
Minneapolis residents were caught on camera wheeling trash cans and other objects toward a police line. The protesters deployed the objects in a line across the street, apparently preparing a defensive wall that would impede any police attempt to sweep them out.
Pretti was an intensive care unit nurse for Veterans Affairs. Just before his death, Pretti was present at the scene of what the Department of Homeland Security called a “targeted” operation “against an illegal alien wanted for violent assault.”
