NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
New York Knicks players Karl-Anthony Towns and Guerschon Yabusele spoke out about the deadly Border Patrol-involved shooting that took place over the weekend in Minnesota.
Towns and Yabusele both called out the federal government for its actions in Minneapolis. There have been two shootings involving federal officers in January. Alex Pretti was killed on Saturday and Renee Good was killed earlier this month.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
New York Knicks’ Karl-Anthony Towns (32) reacts after missing a three-point shot during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
“What is happening in the Twin Cities and the Great North Star State is heartbreaking to witness. These events have cost lives and shaken families – and we must call for accountability, transparency and protection for all people,” Towns wrote on X Sunday. “This moment requires us to reflect honestly on what our values really are. My thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies go out to the families of Renée Good and Alex Pretti.
“I stand with the people of Minnesota.”
Towns played for the Minnesota Timberwolves before being traded to the Knicks.
WARRIORS’ STEVE KERR CLAIMS ‘MISINFORMATION’ IN MEDIA DIVIDING AMERICANS AFTER CBP-INVOLVED SHOOTING
New York Knicks forward Guerschon Yabusele (28) reacts after making a basket against the LA Clippers in the second half at Madison Square Garden on Jan. 7, 2026. (Vincent Carchietta/Imagn Images)
“I can’t stop thinking about the tragic events unfolding in Minnesota, and even though I’m French, I can’t stay silent,” Yabusele added. “What’s happening is beyond comprehension. We’re talking about murder here, these are serious matters. The situation needs to change, the government needs to stop operating this way. I stand with Minnesota.”
Towns and Yabusele’s statements came as the National Basketball Players Association also condemned the Border Patrol’s actions.
“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.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pakinomist APP
“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.”
