‘Haven’t spoken due to visa…’: Canadian singer condemns federal agents over shooting of Minneapolis man

Canadian rapper and singer bbno$ has spoken out against US immigration enforcement after the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis nurse by federal agents, saying he had previously stayed silent because of concerns about his visa status.Posting on X, the artist said: “i haven’t spoken about this due to my visa status, but f**k it i don’t stand for this s**t, never have and never will. the senseless violence in our current world is sickening. abolish ICE.”His comments came after federal agents shot and killed Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old US citizen and intensive care nurse, during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis on Saturday. Pretti was the second person to be fatally shot in the city this month after Renee Good.

According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Border Patrol agents were conducting a “targeted” operation near Nicollet Avenue and 26th Street when Pretti approached them. Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino said Pretti had a “9mm semi-automatic” handgun and “violently resisted” efforts to disarm him, prompting agents to fire in self-defence.That account has been disputed by eyewitnesses, local officials and Pretti’s family. Videos filmed moments before the shooting show Pretti recording agents on his phone as they confronted civilians in the street. In one clip, an agent appears to push a woman. Pretti is then seen stepping between her and the agent, holding one hand up while clutching what appears to be a phone in the other. No gun is visible in the footage.Another video shows multiple agents restraining Pretti on the ground before shots are fired. Ten gunshots can be heard. DHS later released an image of a firearm it said belonged to Pretti and claimed he had ammunition but no ID.Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said Pretti was believed to be a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry and had no criminal history beyond parking violations. The killing sparked protests and calls from city leaders for federal agents to leave Minneapolis at an instant.bbno$, whose real name is Alexander Leon Gumuchian, is a Canadian citizen who was born in Vancouver. Canadians do not usually need a visa to enter the US for short visits, but working artists typically require special authorisation. While bbno$ frequently tours in the US, there is no public record of the specific work status he holds, which may explain his reference to visa concerns.