Late-night television host Jimmy Kimmel delivered an emotional monologue on January 26, reacting to the fatal shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis.
A case that has sparked nationwide outrage and renewed debate over immigration enforcement and the use of force.
Speaking just days after Pretti, 37, was shot and killed during a federal operation under the Department of Homeland Security, Kimmel said he spent the weekend watching videos from Minneapolis and feeling “shocked and sick” by what he described as a disturbing pattern of violence.
He harshly criticized federal agents and government officials for what he called a failure to accept responsibility.
Kimmel accused authorities of refusing to acknowledge video evidence showing what he described as the execution of a fellow American.
He said it was deeply troubling to watch officials dismiss footage that, in his view, clearly contradicted their public statements.
During the monologue, Kimmel also referenced the earlier killing of Renee Nicole Good, who was shot on January 7 while inside her vehicle by ICE agent Jonathan Ross.
He questioned how two fatal shootings linked to immigration enforcement could occur in the same city within weeks.
Highlighting Pretti’s background, Kimmel emphasized that the nurse legally carried a firearm in an open-carry state and never drew or used it.
He said video footage suggests the weapon was taken from Pretti by one agent before another agent fired multiple shots.
Kimmel questioned how authorities could label the shooting as justified under those circumstances.
A frequent critic of former President Donald Trump, Kimmel suggested the situation reflects a broader crisis in leadership and accountability.
He shared that members of his own family in Minneapolis are now afraid to send their children to school because of ongoing federal operations.
Kimmel called for a full investigation and strongly criticized Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, accusing her of denying what was visible on video.
He said Americans were being asked to accept an official version of events that conflicted with what they could plainly see.
According to DHS statements, agents were conducting a targeted operation in Minneapolis on January 24 when Pretti was shot.
DHS assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin said agents believed Pretti approached them with a 9 mm handgun and resisted disarmament, prompting what she described as defensive gunfire.
However, widely circulated videos reviewed by multiple news organizations appear to contradict that account, showing Pretti holding a cellphone with both hands visible before being pepper-sprayed, tackled, and shot while pinned to the ground.
Kimmel urged viewers to watch the footage themselves and form independent conclusions.
He called for courage from political leaders across the spectrum and said meaningful change would require voices willing to challenge their own side.
Toward the end of the monologue, Kimmel became visibly emotional as he addressed the families of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good, as well as the people of Minneapolis.
He described both victims as individuals who tried to protect others and act with compassion.
He closed by reminding viewers that Pretti was an ICU nurse who treated military veterans, calling that service deeply patriotic.
And aired footage of Pretti offering a final salute to a patient — a moment that drew prolonged applause from the audience.
