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Celebrities Demand National Strike After Minneapolis Federal Shooting of ICU Nurse Alex Pretti

Updated (2 articles)

Alex Pretti Killed During Federal Confrontation in Minneapolis Alex Pretti, a 37‑year‑old ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA, was tackled and shot repeatedly by federal agents on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2026, after a video‑recorded scuffle; he was a lawful gun owner and died at the scene [1][2]. The incident occurred amid a large federal presence deployed by the Trump administration in the city [1]. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem quickly labeled the killing “domestic terrorism,” heightening political tension [2].

Hollywood Figures Launch Nationwide Strike Calls Pedro Pascal posted an Instagram drawing of Pretti with a call for a national strike, quoting a New York Times editorial, while Billie Eilish labeled Pretti “a real American hero” on Instagram [1]. Edward Norton, speaking at Sundance, urged a general economic strike, and Natalie Portman and Olivia Wilde wore “ICE OUT” pins while condemning the government [2]. Mark Ruffalo, Glenn Close, Jamie Lee Curtis, Katy Perry, and other stars amplified the demand, urging followers to contact senators and denouncing the agents as an “occupying military gang” [1][2].

Federal Deployments and ICE Surge Provide Political Backdrop The Trump administration had dispatched thousands of federal agents to Minneapolis earlier in the month, intensifying local ICE activity and prompting the “ICE surge” criticism from celebrities [1]. Critics linked Pretti’s death to broader systemic abuse, with some calling for ICE abolition and regime change, while the administration framed the incident as terrorism [2]. The convergence of federal law‑enforcement actions and high‑profile celebrity activism marks a rare, coordinated public challenge to federal policy [1][2].

Social Media Footage Fuels Public Outcry and Platform Scrutiny Bystander videos of the confrontation spread rapidly on TikTok, Instagram, and other platforms, sparking nationwide protests; Newsweek noted unverified claims that TikTok suppressed portions of the footage [2]. The visual evidence intensified calls for accountability and contributed to the momentum behind the proposed national strike [1]. Observers highlighted the shift in Hollywood’s political engagement, noting that many actors traditionally avoid overt political statements now publicly demand systemic change [2].

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Timeline

2025 – The Trump administration deploys thousands of federal agents to Minneapolis as part of an aggressive ICE surge, heightening tensions between the city and federal law‑enforcement and setting the stage for later confrontations [1].

Jan 24, 2026 – Alex Pretti, a 37‑year‑old ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA and lawful gun owner, is tackled and shot repeatedly by federal agents during a scuffle, dying on the scene; Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem quickly brands the killing “domestic terrorism” [2].

Jan 24‑26, 2026 (Sundance Film Festival) – Ed Norton urges a national general economic strike, declaring, “We have extrajudicial assaults on Americans… we should be talking about a national general economic strike until this is over,” while Natalie Portman and Olivia Wilde appear in “ICE OUT” pins, with Portman saying she is “proud of Americans’ courage but saddened by the government’s behavior” and Wilde calling herself “appalled and sickened” and demanding an end to ICE [2].

Jan 26, 2026 – Pedro Pascal posts an Instagram drawing of Pretti and Renee Good, captioning it “Pretti Good reason for a national strike,” quoting a New York Times editorial and asserting, “Truth is a line of demarcation between a democratic government and authoritarian regime” [1].

Jan 26, 2026 – Billie Eilish shares multiple Instagram stories labeling Pretti “a real American hero,” posting a selfie that asks fellow celebrities, “hey my fellow celebrities u gonna speak up?” and condemning the silence of many cultural figures [1].

Jan 26, 2026 – Mark Ruffalo posts on Bluesky “Alex Pretti is a hero” and tags federal agents as “an occupying military gang,” while Glenn Close reads prepared Instagram remarks describing democracy as “systematically disemboweled” under the Trump regime [1].

Jan 26, 2026 – A wave of Hollywood condemnation spreads as Jamie Lee Curtis shares Pascal’s image, Edward Norton calls for a general strike via an Instagram Reel, Katy Perry urges followers to write to their senators, and Olivia Wilde tells the AP she is “horrified” by the deaths, amplifying pressure for accountability [1].

Future (as called for in the fallout) – Celebrities and activists plan to mobilize a national general economic strike, push for ICE abolition, and demand regime change, urging the public to write to senators and coordinate protests in response to Pretti’s killing [1][2].

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