Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama ‘horrified’ by Minnesota shootings

San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama expressed his thoughts on a pair of fatal shootings by federal agents in Minnesota on Tuesday, saying he is “horrified.”

The recent shootings of 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretty and mother of three Renee Good during a massive immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis sparked protests in freezing temperatures and heightened tensions between citizens and law enforcement across the city.

When asked by reporters about the unrest, Wembanyama expressed some reluctance to speak because he is not a United States citizen and acknowledged that he was doing so against the advice of the team’s public relations staff.

“Yes, PR has tried, but I’m not going to sit here and make some politically correct statement [answer]French told reporters after practice at the Victory Capital Performance Center. “Every day I wake up and watch the news, and I’m horrified. I think it’s crazy that some people can pretend or pretend that killing civilians is acceptable.”

The investigation into the fatal shootings of Pretty and Good continues, and no charges have been filed in either case.

Wembanyama, 21, was asked about the unrest in Minneapolis two days after the National Basketball Players Association issued a statement saying the league’s players “can no longer remain silent,” and a day after fellow Frenchman gershon jabusele of new York Knicks Posted his thoughts on social media.

“I can’t stop thinking about the tragic events happening in Minnesota, and even though I’m French, I can’t stay silent,” Yabuselle written on x. “What’s happening is beyond comprehension. We’re talking about murders here; these are serious matters. The situation must change, the government must stop acting this way. I stand with Minnesota.”

Vembanyama praised his countryman, saying, “He is always proud [people] Speaking one’s mind.” Vembanyama cautioned that Yabusele’s words “may have some price at the moment,” adding that “each of us will have to decide the price we are willing to pay.”

“I read the news and sometimes I ask very deep questions about my life,” Vembanyama said. “But I’m also conscious that saying whatever is on my mind will come at a high cost, which is too high for me right now. So, I wouldn’t want to go into too many details.”

When Wembanyama was asked if he feared repercussions for speaking openly on such a hot topic, he said, “Definitely”.

“It’s terrible,” Vembanyama said. “I know I’m a foreigner. I live in this country, and I definitely have concerns. I think there are enough details out there for now. If in private, we can discuss it later, but not right now.”

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