Incoming Target CEO Michael Fiddelke addressed the violence in Minneapolis following two fatal shootings in a statement to Target employees at the company’s headquarters.
“We’ll have time to talk very soon about our plans to move Target forward, but right now, as someone who is raising a family here in the Twin Cities and as a leader of this hometown company, I want to acknowledge where we are,” Fiddelke said in his Monday address, according to a transcript published by Fortune.
“The violence and loss of life in our community is incredibly painful,” he added. “I know it’s weighing heavily on many of you across the country, as it is with me.”
Fiddelke, who will begin his term as Target’s CEO on Feb. 1, 2026, did not explicitly mention Alex Pretti, who was killed by Border Patrol Saturday, and Renee Good, who was killed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Jan. 7, 2026.
Fiddelke also did not mention President Donald Trump, ICE or recent policy changes at Target.
Target at the center of protests
Target has been the subject of protests, including by its own employees.
Employees are urging the company to take action against ICE’s operations in Minnesota and bar the law enforcement agency from entering stores and parking lots, according to Newsweek.
According to USA Today, members of the clergy also met with Target’s outgoing CEO Brian Cornell to voice their concerns about ICE and federal law enforcement activities in Minnesota.
However, Fiddelke did not endorse these policy suggestions and focused more on unity in times of strife.
“What’s happening affects us not just as a company, but as people, as neighbors, friends and family members within Target,” Fiddelke said.
“We are doing everything we can to manage what’s in our control, always keeping the safety of our team and guests our top priority,” he added.
Fiddelke was one of 60 CEOs who signed an open letter from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce that said businesses were working behind the scenes with local, state and federal government officials to come up with solutions and a “de-escalation of tensions.”
