More than 60 Minnesota CEOs call for ‘de-escalation’ after shooting

Chief executives from more than 60 large Minnesota companies, including leaders at Target, Best Buy, General Mills and Cargill, issued a public letter calling for an “immediate de-escalation of tensions” in the state after federal agents shot and killed Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, the letter said.

The statement, shared by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, was signed by top executives of major corporations and hospital systems such as Land O’ Lakes, Hormel, U.S. Bancorp, Mayo Clinic and 3M, and by local sports teams. It comes amid widespread protests in Minneapolis over an aggressive federal immigration crackdown; hundreds of smaller businesses in the Minneapolis area had closed in support of protests earlier in the week.

The letter stopped short of calling for specific actions, did not condemn the shooting or call on immigration authorities to change enforcement, and did not urge protesters to alter their behavior. It said only that officials at all levels should “work together to find real solutions” and called for peace and cooperation so families, businesses and employees can “resume our work to build a bright and prosperous future.” Signers said they have been in contact with federal, state and local officials, and the Business Roundtable’s chief executive later expressed support for the letter.

Key Topics

Business, Minnesota Companies, Target, Alex Pretti, Minneapolis, Business Roundtable