In SAN FRANCISCO, the NBA has decided to delay the upcoming game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors, originally planned for Saturday in Minneapolis. This decision comes in response to escalating tensions following a deadly encounter that morning involving federal immigration officers.
The NBA released a statement emphasizing that the postponement was made “to prioritize the safety and security of the Minneapolis community.”
The league now plans to reschedule the game for Sunday at 5:30 p.m. ET. The Warriors and Timberwolves are also set to face off again in downtown Minneapolis on Monday night.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara reported that a 37-year-old Minneapolis resident lost his life in the shooting on Saturday. However, he withheld the victim’s identity and mentioned that details surrounding the incident remain scarce.
Federal authorities disclosed that the officer involved in the shooting is an experienced Border Patrol veteran, having served for eight years.
The victim has been identified by his family as Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse. The officer responsible for the shooting has been with the Border Patrol for eight years, according to federal sources.
It’s the third shooting and second death in Minneapolis this month involving a federal agent, sparking persistent protests across the city despite subzero temperatures.
Thousands marched across downtown Minneapolis on Friday afternoon, calling for an end to the ongoing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation in the state. The large-scale protests went past Target Center and the Warriors’ downtown team hotel.
The shooting Saturday morning occurred about 2 miles south of the arena, sparking another round of protests from local citizens.
In 2020, NBA playoff games being played in the “bubble” at Walt Disney World in Florida were postponed after players chose to boycott following the shooting of Jacob Blake in Wisconsin. Games resumed three days later.
Saturday’s game had been scheduled to air on ABC; the rescheduled game Sunday is set to air on NBA TV.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report
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