Target’s incoming CEO addresses Minneapolis unrest, stresses safety priorities, avoids naming federal agents and Trump

A leadership transition amid heightened tensions in Target’s hometown

Target’s incoming chief executive, Michael Fiddelke, told employees that recent violence and loss of life in Minneapolis has been “incredibly painful,” delivering the message one week before he is scheduled to take the top job on Feb. 1, 2026. The internal video address comes as Minneapolis remains the focal point of sustained protests and policing scrutiny tied to intensified federal immigration enforcement activity in the city.

Target announced in August 2025 that Fiddelke, then the company’s chief operating officer, would succeed Brian Cornell as chief executive, with Cornell set to move into an executive chair role. Fiddelke has worked at Target for more than two decades, holding senior leadership roles across operations, finance, merchandising, and human resources.

What Fiddelke said — and what he did not

In the message, Fiddelke framed the developments in Minneapolis as a community trauma affecting Target workers and customers nationwide. He said the company was focused on “what’s in our control,” emphasizing that employee and customer safety is the top priority.

He did not name President Donald Trump, nor did he identify U.S. immigration agencies or federal agents in connection with recent shootings in Minneapolis. He also did not announce specific operational or policy changes related to the federal presence near Target locations.

“The violence and loss of life in our community is incredibly painful,” Fiddelke said in the video, adding that events affect employees “as people, as neighbors, friends and family members.”

Context: two fatal shootings involving federal agents in January

Fiddelke’s remarks follow two deaths of U.S. citizens in Minneapolis this month during encounters involving federal immigration enforcement personnel. Renée Good, 37, was fatally shot on Jan. 7, 2026. Alex Pretti, 37, was fatally shot on Jan. 24, 2026. Video reviewed in national reporting has become central to public debate about how the encounters unfolded and how federal officials initially characterized them.

No officer involved in the shootings has been charged, and investigations were described as ongoing in national coverage as of Jan. 26.

Business leaders call for de-escalation as companies face operational pressure

Fiddelke said he joined more than 60 Minnesota business leaders in signing a public letter urging calm, constructive dialogue and de-escalation. The letter did not reference the shootings or specific federal agencies.

Target has also faced public scrutiny after reports of federal agents using publicly accessible areas of stores and parking lots during operations. Separately, the company has been drawn into controversy after two U.S. citizens were detained at a Target store in Richfield, including a 17-year-old employee.

What employees can expect next

Fiddelke told staff he plans to spend his first days as CEO in the field listening to employees, followed by a companywide discussion about how Target will move forward. Internal communications to employees have also highlighted resources and guidance aimed at helping teams manage disruptions near store locations.

• CEO transition date: Feb. 1, 2026
• Core message to staff: safety priority and community impact
• Public posture: support for de-escalation without naming specific political leaders or agencies