Major Minnesota CEOs Speak Out Following Recent Violence
A public letter signed by more than 60 leaders from Minnesota’s largest companies demands immediate de-escalation of tensions while requesting state and local and federal officials to work together during the current unrest. The letter which the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce released follows multiple violent incidents that involved federal immigration officers in Minneapolis.
The signatories included Mayo Clinic President Dr. Gianrico Farrugia and Hormel Foods interim CEO Jeff Ettinger and 3M CEO William Brown and UnitedHealth Group CEO Stephen J. Hemsley and incoming Target CEO Michael Fiddelke. The Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Wild and Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx joined other major sports organizations to support the peace movement.
Recent Shootings Spark Business Concern
The letter was released on Sunday because federal Border Patrol agents shot 37-year-old Minneapolis resident Alex Pretti. Bystander videos captured the encounter near Nicollet Avenue and West 26th Street on the morning of Jan. 24, 2026. Pretti’s death marked the third shooting involving federal agents in a month in Minneapolis.
Another Minneapolis resident Renee Good died on January 7 after an incident that generated national criticism. A different federal operation which took place on January 14 resulted in another man sustaining a leg injury. The rising number of federal law enforcement operations and violent confrontations has fueled protests and public outrage across the region.
Business Leaders Call for Cooperation and Solutions
Business leaders stated in their letter that the present circumstances have resulted in extensive interruptions and the death of many people” and “the situation requires governmental personnel from all tiers to unite their efforts toward developing actual solutions. The corporate community of Minnesota has maintained ongoing communication with state officials which includes the governor’s office and the White House and local mayors to resolve tensions and develop practical solutions.
The letter recognized recent attempts to create partnerships between organizations which included Vice President J.D. Vance’s visit to Minnesota where he conducted a roundtable discussion about law enforcement restoration.
Message of Peace and Forward Momentum
The CEOs stressed that Minnesota needs peace through cooperation to achieve its economic development and community prosperity. The CEOs requested a “swift and durable solution” which would enable families and employees and businesses to concentrate on their operational development.
