MINNEAPOLIS — The sites of three consequential deaths span just over two miles of south Minneapolis: George Floyd in 2020, and Renee Good and Alex Pretti last month.
What happened
George Floyd died when a police officer pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck for more than nine minutes outside the former Cup Foods (now Unity Foods) store. His death ignited nationwide Black Lives Matter protests demanding police reform and accountability.
Renee Good, 37, was shot by ICE agent Jonathan Ross on Portland Avenue near East 34th Street. Her memorial displays the words “I’m not mad at you, dude,” which were her last spoken words.
Alex Pretti, an intensive‑care nurse, was killed by federal immigration agents near Glam Doll Donuts on “Eat Street,” a corridor of immigrant‑owned businesses. Community members have kept his memorial alive with candles, incense and artwork.
Why it matters
Floyd’s killing became a rallying cry for a movement that seeks dignity and respect for all people and has reshaped the national conversation on policing. The deaths of Good and Pretti have similarly sparked demands that federal immigration agents cease using lethal force in the pursuit of President Trump’s mass‑deportation effort.
Each site now hosts a mosaic of art, signs and flowers that reflects the community’s grief and its resolve to remember the “martyrs” listed on a notice at the George Floyd Square bus shelter. The memorials serve as both a place of mourning and a platform for ongoing calls for accountability.
What may happen next
Community activists may continue to utilize the memorials as organizing hubs, which could increase pressure on city officials and federal agencies to review use‑of‑force policies. Analysts expect that the visible public outcry may lead to congressional hearings or local ordinances aimed at greater oversight of ICE operations. The ongoing creation of artwork and public messages suggests that the sites will remain focal points for future protests and remembrance events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was George Floyd and what led to his death?
George Floyd was a 46‑year‑traditional man who died on May 25 2020 after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for more than nine minutes outside the store now known as Unity Foods.
How did Renee Good die and what is displayed at her memorial?
Renee Good, a 37‑year‑old woman, was shot by ICE agent Jonathan Ross on Portland Avenue. Her memorial includes a portrait of her, the quote “I’m not mad at you, dude,” and signs demanding “ICE OUT.”
What was Alex Pretti’s role and how has the community responded to his death?
Alex Pretti was an intensive‑care nurse killed by federal immigration agents near Glam Doll Donuts on “Eat Street.” Community members have kept his memorial active with candles depicting religious figures, incense, and an oil painting of Pretti smiling in a beanie and scarf.
What steps can communities take to honor these memories although advocating for change?
