Whoopi Goldberg Says Officials “Have Blood on Their Hands” After Alex Pretti Shooting

On the Monday, January 26, episode of The View, the panel addressed the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old VA nurse who was killed by border agents in Minneapolis over the weekend. The discussion was marked by significant distress from the hosts, particularly Whoopi Goldberg, who struggled to maintain her composure while describing the footage of the encounter.

Goldberg noted that the victim appeared to be holding only a mobile phone and a bottle of water when he was struck ten times by gunfire.

The longtime moderator voiced her disbelief at the ongoing situation, labeling the incident as an act of homicide. I don’t know what you’re investigating, if you’re not investigating the straight-up murder — the straight-up murder, Goldberg stated during the broadcast. She pointed out that this tragedy follows the death of Renee Nicole Good, another American citizen killed by immigration agents just weeks prior.

Goldberg directed her frustration specifically toward the Secretary of Homeland Security and federal leadership. Kristi Noem, you can’t justify this. Mr. Bovino, you can’t justify this, she remarked, referring to the officials in charge. She concluded her emotional address by stating that those in power carry the weight of these deaths, telling the audience that you all have blood on your hands.

Ana Navarro echoed these sentiments, suggesting that the government is being dishonest with the public about the events on the ground. She argued that the administration views witnesses and cameras as threats because they expose uncomfortable truths. For them, a camera is just as dangerous as a gun, Navarro noted, emphasizing her belief that the government is actively hiding the reality of these federal operations.

Sara Haines focused her critique on the culture and recruitment tactics currently being used by federal agencies. She suggested that agents are being trained with violent, game-like imagery that dehumanizes the people they encounter.

The problem is they’re currently recruiting people using imagery from single-shooter games, giving them this vibe that they’re coming to get rid of vermin, Haines explained. She added that the promise of immunity has created an environment where agents feel they can act without the fear of legal repercussions.

Outside of the heated political debates on The View, Whoopi Goldberg remains one of the busiest figures in the entertainment industry as she moves through 2026. She recently starred in the romantic comedy Leopardi & Co., which was released in late 2025 and features her alongside Jeremy Irvine.

Perhaps most anticipated is the progress of Sister Act 3, a project Goldberg has been championing for several years. She recently confirmed that the script has been finalized and submitted to Disney, though production was slightly delayed to accommodate script changes following the passing of her longtime co-star, Maggie Smith. The film is expected to feature a star-studded ensemble, including Kathy Najimy, Wendy Makkena, and Keke Palmer.

Do you think the emotional commentary provided by the hosts of The View helps the public process these tragic events? Share your thoughts in the comments.