Some Winter Olympians are speaking out after Minnesota killings; Kelly Pannek and Jessie Diggins
February 1, 2026 — NBC News — by Doha Madani LINK
The fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal authorities in Minneapolis last month have drawn condemnation from politicians, influencers and celebrities. And now athletes who will soon be representing the U.S. at the Olympics are increasingly speaking out as well.
Emotions have been running high in Minnesota, where the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown has permeated nearly every aspect of daily life amid weeks of protest and confrontations with federal authorities, and they were on display last Sunday during a Professional Women’s Hockey League game in St. Paul as fans chanted “ICE out now.”
At a postgame press conference (seen below at 3:34), Minnesota Frost stars Kelly Pannek and Taylor Heise, both members of the U.S. Olympic squad, said it was important to acknowledge what was happening in their own community.
“It’s obviously really heavy,” said Pannek, who appeared to be overcome with emotion. “I think people have been asking a lot of us what it’s like to represent our state and our country. I think what I’m most proud to represent is the thousands — tens of thousands — of people who show up on some of the coldest days of the year to stand and fight for what they believe in.”
Heise added that the team has done a good job of making everyone feel welcome and safe during its games, “even though you can’t feel safe, I feel like, in this time and place here in Minnesota.”
Cross-country skier Jessie Diggins also acknowledged the situation last week after her final competition before the 2026 Winter Olympics. Diggins, who won gold in 2018, wrote in an Instagram post that she hoped she was able to bring some joy to people watching and honor all those back home protecting their neighbors.
“Honestly, this week was mentally and emotionally stressful for me for many different reasons, all of which were outside of sport,” Diggins wrote on Jan. 25, the day after Pretti’s killing. “Primarily, it’s been devastating following the news of what has been happening in Minnesota right now and it’s really hard feeling like I can do nothing about it.”
Diggins, Pannek and Heise are three of the 24 athletes from Minnesota who will represent the U.S. at the Milan Cortina Games. But they are not the only Olympians who have spoken out.
