Business leaders from across Minnesota, including the CEOs of Mayo Clinic and Hormel, have signed a letter calling for an immediate reduction in tensions following a recent incident involving federal law enforcement. The letter, endorsed by over 60 CEOs, urges state, local, and federal officials to collaborate on finding effective solutions to ongoing unrest.
The letter was released by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce the day after the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old resident of Minneapolis, by federal Border Patrol agents. The incident occurred on January 24, 2024, near the intersection of Nicollet Avenue and West 26th Street and was captured on video by bystanders. Pretti’s death marks the third shooting involving federal agents in Minneapolis within a three-week span, exacerbating community tensions.
Response from Business Leaders
Among the prominent signatories of the letter are Dr. Gianrico Farrugia, CEO of Mayo Clinic; Jeff Ettinger, CEO of Hormel; William Brown, CEO of 3M; Stephen J. Hemsley, CEO of UnitedHealth; and Michael Fiddelke, the incoming CEO of Target. Notably, professional sports franchises including the Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Wild, and Minnesota Timberwolves also lent their support to the initiative.
The letter states, “With yesterday’s tragic news, we are calling for an immediate de-escalation of tensions and for state, local, and federal officials to work together to find real solutions.” The leaders expressed concern over the “widespread disruption and tragic loss of life,” indicating that the business community has been actively engaging with officials to advance meaningful dialogue and resolution.
Ongoing Efforts and Federal Involvement
Efforts to address the situation have included communication between local business representatives and officials at various levels, including the governor’s office and the White House. On the same day the letter was released, Vice President J.D. Vance visited Minnesota for a roundtable discussion aimed at “restoring law and order” in the area.
The business leaders emphasized the need for collaboration across all levels of government, stating, “There are ways for us to come together to foster progress.” They called for “peace and focused cooperation” among local, state, and federal leaders to enable families, businesses, and communities to return to stability and work towards a brighter future.
The recent events in Minneapolis highlight the urgent need for constructive dialogue and action to address community grievances. As tensions continue to rise, the call from Minnesota’s business leaders reflects a growing consensus on the necessity for immediate and effective measures to improve public safety and community relations.
