Canadian Artist Breaks Silence on Controversial US Immigration Shooting
Canadian rapper and singer bbno$ has publicly condemned United States immigration enforcement following the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis nurse by federal agents. The artist revealed he had previously remained silent about such incidents due to concerns about his visa status, but decided to speak out after this latest tragedy.
Artist's Emotional Social Media Statement
Posting on social media platform X, the musician expressed his frustration with the situation. "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," wrote bbno$. "the senseless violence in our current world is sickening. abolish ICE."
His powerful statement represents a significant departure from his previous silence on immigration matters, highlighting the emotional impact of the recent events in Minneapolis.
Tragic Incident in Minneapolis
The artist's comments came in response to the shooting death of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old United States citizen who worked as an intensive care nurse. Federal agents fatally shot Pretti during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis on Saturday, making him the second person to be killed in such circumstances in the city this month after Renee Good.
Conflicting Accounts of the Shooting
According to official statements from the Department of Homeland Security, Border Patrol agents were conducting what they described as a "targeted" operation near Nicollet Avenue and 26th Street when Pretti approached them. Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino claimed that Pretti possessed a "9mm semi-automatic" handgun and "violently resisted" attempts to disarm him, forcing agents to fire in what they characterized as self-defense.
However, this version of events has been strongly disputed by multiple sources:
- Eyewitnesses present during the incident
- Local government officials
- Members of Pretti's family
Video Evidence Contradicts Official Narrative
Footage recorded moments before the shooting shows Pretti using his phone to document agents confronting civilians on the street. In one particularly concerning clip, an agent appears to push a woman, after which Pretti is seen stepping between them with one hand raised while holding what appears to be a phone in his other hand. No firearm is visible in any of the available video footage.
Additional video evidence shows multiple agents restraining Pretti on the ground before gunshots are heard. Witnesses reported hearing approximately ten shots fired during the incident.
Questions About Evidence and Background
Following the shooting, the Department of Homeland Security released an image of a firearm they claimed belonged to Pretti, stating he possessed ammunition but no identification. However, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara provided contrasting information, noting that Pretti was believed to be a lawful gun owner with a valid permit to carry and had no criminal history beyond minor parking violations.
Community Response and Political Fallout
The killing has sparked significant community outrage, leading to protests and calls from city leaders for federal immigration agents to leave Minneapolis immediately. The incident has reignited debates about immigration enforcement practices and the use of force by federal agents in urban communities.
About the Artist
bbno$, whose real name is Alexander Leon Gumuchian, is a Canadian citizen born in Vancouver. While Canadian citizens typically do not require visas for short visits to the United States, working artists like bbno$ generally need special authorization for professional engagements. The rapper frequently tours in the United States, though there is no public record of his specific work status, which likely explains his previous hesitation to comment on immigration matters due to visa concerns.
The artist's decision to break his silence represents a significant moment in the ongoing conversation about immigration enforcement, celebrity activism, and police accountability in the United States.
