Academy Award winner Natalie Portman fought back tears at the Sundance Film Festival as she shared her thoughts on the ICE operations playing out in Minneapolis and the fatal shootings that have rocked the nation.
“Of course we’re at an unfortunately horrific moment in our country with the federal government attacking civilians in our own cities,” she said in Park City, Utah while promoting her new film “The Gallerist.”
Portman’s comments came hours after a 37-year-old Minnesota nurse was killed by federal agents during a protest opposing the Trump administration’s immigration tactics.
The Department of Homeland Security claims the victim, Alex Pretti, was shot after approaching Border Patrol officers with a handgun. Video appears to show him holding a phone before he was killed Saturday. Trump administration officials quickly labeled him a “domestic terrorist [who] tried to assassinate federal law enforcement.”
Pretti’s family strongly disputes that characterization. Witnesses blame ICE agents for shooting an ICU nurse who seemingly posed no threat to them.
Portman said Sunday that she was fortunate to be attending a film festival 1,200 miles from Minneapolis, though the violence in Minnesota — and the protests — were on her mind.
“I’m very inspired, though, by all of the amazing, amazing Americans, who are coming out and supporting each other and being there in their communities,” she said. “It’s beautiful.”
The 44-year-old star was born in Israel, but attended school on Long Island. She won a best actress Oscar in 2011 for her performance in “Black Swan.”
With News Wire Services
