Jimmy Kimmel Fights Tears During Emotional Monologue After Alex Pretti Killing
Jimmy Kimmel is known for his quick wit, but the late-night host took a somber turn on Monday, January 26, as he addressed the recent killing of ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. During his opening monologue on Jimmy Kimmel Live, the comedian abandoned his usual jokes, breaking down twice while discussing the fatal shooting of the 37-year-old veteran nurse.
The audience remained notably silent, offering only waves of applause as Kimmel described his weekend spent watching one atrocity after another on his phone.
The host was visibly shaken as he detailed the events captured on bystander video, which show federal immigration agents engaging with Pretti before ten shots were fired. I spent the weekend, like probably a lot of you did – looking at my phone – and just feeling shocked – and sick – about what is happening in Minneapolis, Kimmel told the camera. He described the agents as a gang of poorly-trained, shamefully-led, mask-wearing goons who were committing vile, heartless, and even criminal acts against American citizens.
Kimmel specifically pointed out the discrepancies between the official accounts and the footage seen by millions online. He questioned the administration’s justification for the shooting, noting that Pretti was a licensed carrier who never even reached for his weapon. They say the gun Alex Pretti had a license to carry –- a gun that Alex Pretti did not even draw, did not touch –- was taken from him by one of the agents before he was shot dead by the other ones, Kimmel said to a roar of applause. He challenged the audience and those watching at home, asking, Is that the law and order that you voted for?
The host did not stop at the Minneapolis incident, broadening his critique to the current leadership within the Department of Homeland Security. He called for an end to the chaos in the street and urged those on the right to show the courage needed to demand an investigation.
Can we agree that when we see a person murdered in cold blood, that there should at least be an investigation of that?, he asked, adding that if the government can’t agree on basic facts, then the nation has lost its way.
Kimmel concluded his powerful address by honoring Pretti’s legacy as a healthcare worker who served those who served the country. Alex Pretti was an ICU nurse who treated veterans, which is about as patriotic as it gets, he said through tears. He ended the segment by playing a video of the nurse honoring a fallen veteran patient, simply saying, Alex Pretti, may he rest in peace.
Moving into 2026, Jimmy Kimmel remains a pillar of late-night television, recently extending his contract with ABC through May 2027. Despite rumors of a potential retirement, network executives confirmed the renewal following a brief suspension of the show in late 2025. Outside of his nightly hosting duties, Kimmel recently took home the trophy for Best Talk Show at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards, where he used his acceptance speech to thank the current administration for giving him so much to joke about.
Do you believe media personalities have a responsibility to use their platform to address major national tragedies? or should they stay focused on providing a comedic escape for the audience? Share your thoughts in the comments.