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Hollywood Demands National Strike After Minneapolis Federal Shooting Kills ICU Nurse

Updated (2 articles)

Alex Pretti Killed by Federal Agents in Minneapolis The 37‑year‑old ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA, Alex Pretti, was tackled and shot repeatedly by federal agents during a confrontation captured on video, resulting in his death on Saturday [1][2]. Pretti was a lawful gun owner and his killing has become a flashpoint for public outcry. Video footage of the incident spread widely on social media, intensifying demands for accountability.

Trump Administration’s ICE Surge Prompted Federal Deployment In response to a surge in ICE activity, the Trump administration deployed thousands of federal agents to Minneapolis earlier this month [1][2]. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem quickly labeled the Pretti killing “domestic terrorism.” The deployment and subsequent shooting have drawn criticism for escalating federal presence in the city.

Celebrities Launch Nationwide Strike Campaign Pedro Pascal posted an Instagram drawing of Pretti and called for a national strike, quoting a New York Times editorial, while Billie Eilish labeled Pretti “a real American hero” on her stories [1][2]. Edward Norton urged a general economic strike at Sundance, and other stars—including Jamie Lee Curtis, Natalie Portman, Olivia Wilde, Katy Perry, Mark Ruffalo, and Glenn Close—used various platforms to demand an end to the “ICE surge” and federal violence. Their coordinated messaging emphasizes a unified demand for systemic change.

Hollywood’s Political Engagement Signals Shift The collective outcry marks a notable shift as actors traditionally silent on politics now openly challenge the administration, with calls to abolish ICE and demand regime change [2]. Reports of TikTok suppressing some footage add a layer of controversy to the media narrative. Observers note the momentum growing as new developments continue to emerge.

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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 presence[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 confrontation captured on video; Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem quickly labels the killing “domestic terrorism”[2].

Jan 24, 2026 – At the Sundance Film Festival, Ed Norton tells the Los Angeles Times, “We have extrajudicial assaults on Americans… we should be talking about a national general economic strike until this is over,” urging a nationwide strike in response to Pretti’s death[2].

Jan 24‑25, 2026 – Natalie Portman and Olivia Wilde appear at Sundance wearing “ICE OUT” pins; Portman says she is “proud of Americans’ courage but saddened by the government’s behavior,” while Wilde calls the violence “appalling and sickening” and demands the removal of ICE[2].

Jan 24‑25, 2026 – Bystander videos of the shooting spread widely on social media, with unverified reports that TikTok suppressed some footage, intensifying public outrage and calls for accountability[2].

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

Jan 26, 2026 – Billie Eilish shares Instagram stories calling Pretti “a real American hero” and urges fellow celebrities to speak up, criticizing the silence of many cultural figures[1].

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

Jan 26, 2026 – A wave of Hollywood condemnation follows: Jamie Lee Curtis reshapes Pascal’s image, Edward Norton calls for a general strike via an Instagram Reel, Katy Perry urges followers to write to their senators, and other stars denounce federal violence, marking a notable shift toward overt political engagement against the administration’s policies[1][2].

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