TT Jimmy Kimmel Breaks His Late Night Routine and Delivers a Raw Emotional Rebuke After the Fatal Shooting of ICU Nurse Alex Pretti That Has Left Minneapolis in Outrage
Jimmy Kimmel Tears Up on National TV Over Alex Pretti Shooting — Delivers Emotional Message Calling for Accountability
On Jimmy Kimmel Live! this week, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel set aside his usual humour to deliver a powerful, emotional monologue in response to the recent fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse killed by federal agents during an enforcement action in Minneapolis.
Kimmel, visibly choked up at times, opened his January 26 broadcast by speaking directly about the incident and the widespread video footage circulating online that appears to contradict official claims about what happened. He described the scenes from Minneapolis — including detentions and deployments — as “sickening” and “frustrating” to watch, and criticised what he called a pattern of violence being carried out by federal authorities.
In the emotionally charged monologue, Kimmel urged viewers to “watch that video, watch every angle” before drawing their own conclusions about whether what they saw aligned with claims that federal force was justified. He repeatedly asked rhetorically whether this was the kind of “law and order” people thought they were supporting, and questioned the leadership behind the actions.
Addressing both the deaths of Pretti and another Minnesota resident, Renée Good, who was earlier killed in a separate encounter with federal agents, Kimmel encouraged empathy and reflection. With audience applause punctuating parts of the speech — an unusual break from the humour of late-night formats — he expressed solidarity with the families affected and with residents of Minneapolis.
Kimmel also criticised government responses and characterisations of the incident, arguing that official statements had failed to acknowledge what was visible on video evidence. He implored viewers across the political spectrum to agree that peaceful protesters and those caught up in these operations did not deserve to be shot, and emphasised the need for transparent investigation and accountability.
The host’s departure from comedy into earnest critique was widely reported and drew attention not only for its content but for the raw emotion he displayed on live television. Audiences were notably quiet during the monologue, contrasting with the typical laughter of a comedy show.
Kimmel concluded by offering condolences to the Pretti and Good families, saying, “Alex Pretti, may he rest in peace,” and urging viewers to consider whether the events unfolding in Minneapolis reflected the values they wanted to see upheld.
