Fox Sports Host Criticized for ‘Out of Control’ Post Following Alex Pretti’s Death
A Fox Sports host faced a lot of criticism online over a post about the tragic shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
On Saturday afternoon, 37-year-old nurse Alex Pretti was sadly killed after being shot multiple times by federal agents during an immigration enforcement operation.
Eyewitnesses said Pretti walked toward an ICE agent who had pushed someone else to the ground and used pepper spray. People say Pretti tried to help the bystander but was then wrestled to the ground. One agent, who had been with Border Patrol for eight years, fired the shots that killed him.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said Pretti was carrying a legally permitted handgun and “resisted violently” when officers tried to take it away. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin explained the agent fired “defensive shots” because he feared for his life and the safety of others.
However, Pretti’s family strongly disagreed. They said Alex wasn’t holding a gun and that he had his phone in one hand, with his other hand raised while he tried to protect the woman who was pushed down and pepper sprayed by ICE.
This shooting happened just over a mile away from where Renee Nicole Good was shot on January 7.
NBA star Tyrese Haliburton spoke out on social media, saying, “Alex Pretti was murdered,” and Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese said she was “Praying for our country.”
Fox Sports host Chris Broussard also shared his thoughts online, but many people found his post confusing. He wrote about Democrats and Republicans in relation to the shooting, which led some to call his message “unhinged,” “missing the mark,” and “a disturbing false equivalence.”
President Donald Trump said his administration is “reviewing everything” about the shooting. Hundreds of people protested near the scene, and a memorial was set up for Pretti.
Because of the tragedy, the NBA postponed the Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Golden State Warriors game to the next day to “prioritize the safety and security of the Minneapolis community.” When the game was played, the Warriors won 111-85. Coach Steve Kerr called it “one of the most bizarre, sad games I’ve ever been a part of.”
Before the game started, there was a moment of silence. Then, soon after the game began, some fans at the Target Center loudly chanted “F**k ICE.”