Jimmy Kimmel Breaks Down While Talking About Alex Pretti’s Killing

Jimmy Kimmel put his jokes aside during the January 26 episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live. Instead of his usual humor, the late-night host opened the show with a serious and emotional monologue about the killing of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse who was shot and killed in Minneapolis over the weekend.

According to footage shared widely online and discussed during the broadcast, Pretti was confronted by federal immigration agents before being shot multiple times. Kimmel told viewers that he spent much of the weekend glued to his phone, watching disturbing videos and feeling overwhelmed by what he saw. I spent the weekend, like probably a lot of you did, looking at my phone and just feeling sick about what is happening in Minneapolis, he said during the monologue.

The studio audience stayed mostly silent as Kimmel spoke, clapping only after especially emotional moments. At two points, he stopped speaking and struggled to hold back tears. He described the agents involved as reckless and poorly trained, saying they were acting in ways that should alarm everyone watching. His comments were based on a bystander video that has circulated across social media and news outlets.

Kimmel also questioned the official explanation of what happened. Referring to reports about the shooting, he pointed out that Pretti was legally allowed to carry a firearm and never used it. They say the gun Alex Pretti had a license to carry was taken from him before he was shot, Kimmel said on air. He never drew it. He never touched it. The crowd reacted with loud applause as he asked viewers directly, Is that the law and order that you voted for.

The host widened his message beyond this single case. He criticized leadership at the Department of Homeland Security and said the country should be able to agree on one basic thing. When we see a person murdered in cold blood, there should at least be an investigation, he said. Kimmel added that if leaders cannot even agree on the facts, then something is deeply broken.

Toward the end of the segment, Kimmel spoke about who Alex Pretti was beyond the headlines. He reminded viewers that Pretti worked as an ICU nurse caring for veterans. Alex Pretti treated people who served this country, which is about as patriotic as it gets, he said while visibly emotional. The show then aired a short clip showing Pretti honoring a fallen veteran, before Kimmel quietly said, Alex Pretti, may he rest in peace.

The segment quickly spread online, with clips shared across social media and news sites, all sourced from Jimmy Kimmel Live’s original broadcast. Many viewers praised Kimmel for using his platform to speak out, while others debated whether late-night shows should focus on comedy during dark moments.

As 2026 continues, Kimmel remains a major figure in late-night TV. ABC recently confirmed its contract extension through May 2027, according to network statements. Earlier this month, he also won Best Talk Show at the Critics’ Choice Awards.

The monologue has reignited a familiar debate. Should comedians and TV hosts speak openly about national tragedies, or should they stick to entertainment? The answer may depend on who is watching, and why.