Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama Calls Minnesota Agent-Involved Shootings “Horrifying”
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San Antonio — Jan. 27, 2026 — San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama said Tuesday he is “horrified” by two deadly shootings carried out by federal agents last week during a large-scale immigration operation in Minneapolis.
Speaking to reporters after practice at the Victory Capital Performance Center, the 21-year-old French star addressed the killings of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive-care nurse, and Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three. Both were shot during the enforcement action, which has sparked protests in sub-freezing temperatures and heightened tensions between residents and law enforcement.
“Every day I wake up and see the news, and I’m horrified,” Wembanyama said. “I think it’s crazy that some people might make it seem like the murder of civilians is acceptable.” He noted he was speaking despite advice from the team’s public-relations staff and acknowledged concerns about possible repercussions as a non-U.S. citizen.
Investigations into the shootings remain open, and no charges have been filed.
The NBA Players Association released a statement two days earlier urging players not to remain silent about the incident. On Monday, fellow Frenchman Guerschon Yabusele of the New York Knicks posted on X that the situation “must change,” drawing praise from Wembanyama. “I’m always proud of people speaking their minds,” the Spurs rookie said, while adding that public comments “might have some price right now.”
Asked if he feared consequences for speaking out, Wembanyama replied, “For sure … I live in this country, and I have concerns.” He declined to provide further detail, saying, “If privately, we can discuss it maybe later, but not right now.”
Source: ESPN
