Podcast Summary: Consider This from NPR

Episode: Tensions escalate in Minnesota after another killing
Date: January 26, 2026
Host: Scott Detrow
Featured Guests: Danielle Kurtzleben (NPR White House Correspondent), Heather Zelensky (friend of Alex Preddy)

Episode Overview

This episode of Consider This examines the aftermath of the fatal shooting of Alex Preddy, a Minneapolis ICU nurse and U.S. citizen, by a federal immigration officer. It explores escalating tensions in Minnesota following a second civilian death at the hands of federal agents, analyzes the political response from both state and federal leaders, and provides a portrait of Preddy through the memories of his close friend. The 15-minute conversation delves into the complexities of federal and local government relations, shifting narratives around the shootings, and the deeply personal impact on a community mourning a beloved member.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Shooting and Immediate Context (00:00–02:47)

• Incident summary:
  • On Saturday, federal immigration officers shot and killed Alex Preddy, a 37-year-old ICU nurse and U.S. citizen.
  • Preddy’s friend, Heather Zelensky, remembers him as a “great listener” with a “good laugh.”
  • Preddy worked at the VA Hospital in Minneapolis; an archival clip of him honoring veterans is played.
• Conflicting narratives:
  • Officials claim Preddy “brandished a weapon and tried to assault officers” during an immigration enforcement operation.
  • Border Patrol Commander Greg Bevino (clip from CNN):
    “That suspect injected himself into that law enforcement situation with a weapon.” (00:53)
  • Videos circulating online show Preddy not brandishing a handgun, contradicting federal statements.
• Recent precedent:
  • This incident comes just two weeks after another ICE agent shot and killed Renee Macklin, heightening local tensions.

2. Political Responses and Shifting Narratives (02:47–06:44)

• Federal-state communication:

  • President Trump calls Minnesota’s Democratic Governor Tim Walz; both release positive summaries of the call.
  • Trump administration sends border czar Tom Homan to Minnesota; DHS shake-up follows—Greg Bevino and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem are reportedly leaving the area.

• Collaborative tone versus finger-pointing:

  • Governor Walz describes a “more collaborative tone”:
    “Whatever has happened here, there is a definite change of tone. There is...a more collaborative tone...I'm going to take them for their word right now that they're going to reduce [force].” — Governor Walz (03:37)
  • Press Secretary Caroline Levitt, however, blames Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Fry for the tragedy:
    “This tragedy occurred as a result of a deliberate and hostile resistance by Democrat leaders in Minnesota.” (04:44)
  • Danielle Kurtzleben points out the administration’s contradictory messaging:
    “It really seems like they're trying to have it both ways...slamming Democratic leaders...while also trying to put out this message of ‘don't worry, we're trying to work together.’” (05:04)

• Significance of Tom Homan’s appointment:

  • Homan, experienced under various administrations, is seen as a change in approach—reporting directly to Trump.
  • Trump emphasizes Homan “hasn’t been involved in Minneapolis” up to now.

• Rhetoric and public perception:

  • Senior officials Stephen Miller and Kristi Noem have publicly labeled Preddy as a “domestic terrorist” and “would-be assassin.”
  • Kurtzleben notes Trump’s camp is now trying to walk back that rhetoric, with the Press Secretary denying Trump ever called Preddy those terms (06:16).

3. Remembering Alex Preddy: Personal Reflection (06:47–12:52)

• Friendship and personality:
  • Heather Zelensky met Alex Preddy more than a decade ago, sharing routines over coffee and exchanging photos of his dog and her travels.
  • On Preddy’s character:
    “He was a really good balance. He was a great listener...He would have something clever and cute to say...He had a good laugh and just a really strong voice and...a very, like, masculine, positive presence.” (07:37)
  • Loved the outdoors, dedicated to his calling as an ICU nurse, and found deep personal satisfaction in his career: “He had thought about becoming a doctor or something, but he loved being a nurse so much. He's like, ‘Nah, this is what I'm gonna do.’” (08:31)
• Community and activism:
  • Though Zelensky did not discuss his protest involvement in detail with him, she remembers:
    “He was proud to see everyone show up and peacefully go to downtown Minneapolis and share with the world that change is needed in America.” (09:20)
• Response to accusations:
  • Asked about Preddy being called a terrorist or would-be assassin by federal officials:
    “Liars, traitors.” (09:58) — Heather Zelensky
    “Cowards.” (10:04) — Interviewer echoes.
  • Zelensky emphasizes Preddy’s compassion:
    “He was nothing like what the people you just named said. He was an American citizen. He was a good man. He was a hard worker, and he cared for people, and he cared for nature. He cared for animals and women and other men and his friends and immigrants...He cared about people, and he was just living a good life.” (10:20)
• Vivid memories:
  • Zelensky shares a final, warm memory:
    “We just were talking in his kitchen, you know, and he was laughing, and I was looking at the picture of his dog on his refrigerator...He was just laughing...” (11:24)
  • She refuses to let the narrative of violence erase Preddy’s humanity:
    “I think we need to keep humanity in front of us and not buy into this narrative that's being pushed by the people that took his life.” (12:25)

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On the political response and narrative control:
  “It really seems like they're trying to have it both ways here to put out this red meat of slamming Democratic leaders as these irresponsible extremists, while also trying to put out this message of ‘don't worry, we're trying to work together to improve things.’”
  — Danielle Kurtzleben (05:04)

• On Preddy's character and humanity:
  “He was nothing like what the people you just named said. He was an American citizen. He was a good man. He was a hard worker, and he cared for people, and he cared for nature ... He cared about people, and he was just living a good life.”
  — Heather Zelensky (10:20)

• Final reflection:
  “I think we need to keep humanity in front of us and not buy into this narrative that’s being pushed by the people that took his life.”
  — Heather Zelensky (12:25)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00–02:47 — Introduction and summary of the fatal shooting, Preddy’s background, and immediate community reaction
• 02:47–06:44 — National political response: Trump-Walz call, shift in federal personnel, messaging contradictions
• 06:47–12:52 — Conversation with Heather Zelensky: Personal memories, Preddy’s career, and refuting official accusations
• 10:20–12:38 — Zelensky’s moving tribute to Preddy’s character and life

Tone and Takeaways

The episode balances the urgency and gravity of a city in crisis with deeply personal storytelling, pushing back against politicized narratives and emphasizing the individual humanity lost in national headlines. Through Heather Zelensky’s words, listeners meet Alex Preddy—a friend, caregiver, and community member—rather than just another name in the news.