Target's New CEO Deems Minneapolis Violence 'Incredibly Painful,' Omits Reference to Trump or Federal Agent Shootings

• Fiddelke's video message avoided specifics about the shootings, the victims, or Trump administration policies despite public protests and 61% of poll respondents saying ICE tactics had gone too far
• More than 60 Minnesota business leaders signed a deescalation statement that similarly omitted references to the shootings or Trump
• Fiddelke, currently Target's COO, officially becomes CEO in one week and acknowledged this was not the first message he imagined sending

Summary

Target's incoming CEO Michael Fiddelke addressed employees Monday following two fatal shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis, the company's headquarters city. In a video message, Fiddelke stated "The violence and loss of life in our community is incredibly painful" and acknowledged the situation is "weighing heavily" on employees nationwide.

Key Details:

• Fiddelke becomes CEO in one week and described this as not the "first message I imagined I'd send"
• The message followed shootings by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents that killed two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis
• Fiddelke joined over 60 Minnesota business leaders in signing a letter Sunday calling for "immediate deescalation of tensions"
• Neither the CEO's video nor the business letter specifically mentioned President Trump, the victims' names, or ICE's enforcement tactics

Market Context:

The message reflects growing corporate pressure to respond to violence in Minneapolis, where thousands have protested in sub-zero temperatures against ICE operations. Many local businesses closed Friday for a "Day of Truth and Freedom" event organized by faith leaders. A New York Times/Siena poll showed 61% of respondents believe ICE tactics have gone too far.

Target emphasized employee safety remains the "top priority" and noted the company's longstanding commitment to giving 5% of profits to communities. Fiddelke plans to spend his first days as CEO in the field with teams before holding an all-team meeting to discuss business direction.