Calhoun Critiques Trump Administration After Border Patrol Shooting
Former MLB outfielder Cole Calhoun expressed his criticisms of the Trump administration on Monday in light of a shooting involving Border Patrol in Minnesota last weekend.
In a detailed statement on his Instagram Story, Calhoun asserted that Alex Preti, the individual shot and killed on Saturday, was “directly murdered.”
He reflected on his experiences as a player for teams such as the Los Angeles Angels, Arizona Diamondbacks, Texas Rangers, and Cleveland Guardians. Calhoun reminisced about his teammates from various backgrounds and noted how some managed to support their families financially from afar.
The 38-year-old shared that he typically tried to steer clear of political discussions. That was until recent events changed his perspective. He remarked, “The America we live in right now cannot be more divided, but this is a tipping point.” He pointed out that the troubling visuals from Minnesota threatened the core values of the country and deemed the tactics used as misguided. “There is a right way and a wrong way to do things,” he emphasized.
Calhoun continued, “What this administration is doing regarding immigration is outright racist, targeting people based on their skin color or last names. There are more civilized ways to approach this.” He expressed frustration that, although he had remained silent, he believed silence equated to complicity. “It takes courage to speak out for what you believe in,” he added, urging others to do the same regardless of their political stance.
Meanwhile, Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino, a key figure in deportation efforts, is set to leave Minnesota alongside some border agents due to escalating tensions between federal authorities and activists in the aftermath of the shooting.
Bovino and a number of agents may depart the state as soon as Tuesday, according to multiple federal officials.
Earlier on Monday, President Trump mentioned that he had spoken with Minnesota’s Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey about the incident.
