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San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama said Tuesday that he has been “horrified” by the news in the past few days following the Border Patrol-involved 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 drives the ball up court against the Utah Jazz during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, 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 like or make it sound like it’s acceptable — like the killing of civilians is acceptable.
“I read the news and sometimes I ask very deep questions about my own life. I’m also aware that saying everything that’s on my mind would have a cost that’s too great for me right now. So I’d rather not go into too much detail.”
The 22-year-old Frenchman agreed that there was some fear of speaking out because of the consequences he might face. He did not specify what consequences.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) dribbles against New Orleans Pelicans center Derik Queen (22) during the first half at Frost Bank Center on Jan. 25, 2026. (Daniel Dunn/Imagn Images)
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“It’s terrible,” he added. “I know I’m a foreigner living in this country. I’m definitely concerned.”
Pretti was shot and killed after he allegedly confronted officers during a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) operation in the southern part of the city. The shooting came a few weeks after a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent shot and killed Renee Nicole Good.
DHS said Good was shot in self-defense after she used her SUV in a manner that posed a threat. DHS said the video showed Good interfering with ICE officers by parking her vehicle in the roadway in an apparent attempt to block federal vehicles.”
The National Basketball Players Association also condemned the actions of the Border Patrol.
“Following the news of yet another fatal 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 fraternity of NBA players, like the United States itself, is a community enriched by its global citizens, and we refuse to let the flames of division threaten the civil liberties meant to protect us all. The NBPA and its members send our deepest condolences to the families of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, and our thoughts on safety and our community remain focused.”
