Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama ‘horrified’ by Minnesota shootings

San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama shared his feelings on Tuesday regarding two tragic shootings by federal agents in Minnesota, expressing his “horror” at the incidents.

The shootings involved Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, and Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, during a recent immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis. This sparked protests in bitter cold and increased tensions between residents and law enforcement throughout the area.

When reporters inquired about the unrest, Wembanyama showed hesitation to speak up, noting he isn’t a U.S. citizen and admitted he was doing so against the advice of the team’s PR staff.

“Yes, PR has tried to manage this, but I can’t just offer a politically correct [answer],” the French player remarked after practice at the Victory Capital Performance Center. “Every day I wake up and read the news, and I’m appalled. It’s astonishing that some might suggest the murder of civilians is acceptable.”

Investigations into the shootings of Pretti and Good are ongoing, with no charges filed as of yet.

Wembanyama, 21, commented on the unrest two days after the National Basketball Players Association stated that players could “no longer remain silent,” and one day after fellow French player Guerschon Yabusele of the New York Knicks shared his insights on social media.

“I can’t stop thinking about the heartbreaking events in Minnesota, and even though I’m French, I can’t stay quiet,” Yabusele posted on X. “What’s happening is unfathomable. We’re talking about murders; these are serious issues. The situation needs to change; the government must cease its actions like this. I stand with Minnesota.”

Wembanyama praised Yabusele, expressing his pride for those who speak out. but, he noted that Yabusele may face consequences for his statements, emphasizing that “each of us has to determine the price we’re willing to pay.”

“I read the news and often find myself pondering deep questions about my own life,” Wembanyama shared. “Yet, I also understand that voicing everything I think could come at too high a cost for me right now. So, I prefer not to delve into too many specifics.”

When asked if he feared potential fallout from addressing such a sensitive issue, Wembanyama affirmed, “for sure.”

“It’s awful,” he remarked. “I know I’m a foreigner. I live here, and I definitely have concerns. I think there’s enough to discuss for now. Perhaps we can talk privately later, but not at this moment.”

ESPN’s Anthony Slater and The Associated Press contributed to this report.