Finneas Speaks Out on the Killing of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis
Musician and producer Finneas has never been one to shy away from uncomfortable truths, and his latest comments regarding the death of Alex Pretti have ignited a massive debate over the consistency of gun rights in America. As the city of Minneapolis grapples with the fallout of the January 24 shooting of an ICU nurse by federal agents, the Oscar winner is pointing out a glaring double standard in how “law-abiding gun owners” are perceived.
The tragedy occurred during a federal immigration enforcement operation when Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old VA hospital employee with no criminal record, was fatally shot by Border Patrol agents. While federal officials quickly labeled Pretti a dangerous gunman, bystander videos and state authorities have confirmed he was a legal permit holder who appeared to be recording the agents on his phone rather than threatening them.
Finneas took to social media to vent his frustration with the arguments used to justify the use of lethal force against a man who was technically exercising his constitutional rights. The conservative argument that allows school shootings to continue has always basically boiled down to, ‘We have to protect the Second Amendment. We have to allow people to carry weapons… legally,’ he began.
He noted the irony of using Pretti’s status as a gun owner as a reason for his death, given the decades of rhetoric surrounding the necessity of public carry. Every argument I’ve seen for why Alex Pretti’s death was ‘justified’ yesterday is like, ‘Well, he had a gun.’ Shut the f*** up! The producer exclaimed.
The musician further highlighted that Pretti did not even brandish his weapon during the altercation, which saw him tackled to the ground by multiple agents. You’ve spent 30 years straight telling us that children have to die so that we’re allowed to legally carry weapons everywhere in the United States. This guy was being beaten to a pulp on the ground, but he didn’t draw his weapon. He had a weapon on him LEGALLY. And they shot the f*** out of him, he noted.
Beyond his role as a social commentator, Finneas remains a powerhouse in the music industry, having just transitioned from a highly successful 2025 world tour in support of his second studio album, For Cryin’ Out Loud! As of early 2026, he is heavily involved in the production of his sister Billie Eilish’s next project and has been rumored to be scoring a major upcoming feature film.
The artist is also known for his occasional forays into acting, with past roles in Glee and Modern Family, though his primary focus remains his evolution as a solo artist and elite producer. His work is often characterized by its vulnerability and sharp lyrical wit, qualities that have helped him secure multiple Grammys and an Academy Award.
Do you think the death of Alex Pretti will force a permanent shift in how both sides of the political aisle discuss the rights of legal gun owners during protests? Share your thoughts in the comments.