Days After Hunter Hess’s Comments, US Curler Rich Ruohonen Becomes Latest Olympian to Speak out Regarding Incidents in Minnesota

Rich Ruohonen, the skip of the US Curling team, joined Hunter Hess in speaking regarding the ICE shootings in Minnesota.

Days After Hunter Hess’s Comments, US Curler Rich Ruohonen Becomes Latest Olympian to Speak out Regarding Incidents in Minnesota

Hunter Hess and Rich Ruohonen (Image via Fox News/Team USA)

The recent ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) shootings in Minneapolis, Minnesota, have become the talk of the town at the Winter Olympics. Just a few days after Hunter Hess‘s comments, US Curler Rich Ruohonen became the latest Olympian to speak out regarding these incidents.

Last Friday, during the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Winter Games in Milan, Hess made some strong comments. Along with his teammate Chris Lillis, he made his feelings known regarding the recent shooting in Minnesota.

On January 7, the ICE agents fatally shot a woman, Renee Nicole Good. The death of the 37-year-old ignited a massive uproar in the country.

Two weeks later, another person was shot. An ICU nurse and Minnesota resident, Alex Pretti, was gunned down by two ICE agents. According to reports, Pretti was taking part in a widespread protest against Operation Metro Surge when this incident took place.

On Friday, Hess did not mince his words and expressed that he was having “mixed emotions“ while representing his country at this event.

It brings up mixed emotions to represent the US right now I think… Just cause I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the US.

Hunter Hess told the reporters

Following these comments, Hess faced extreme backlash online. While a few supported him for his stance, many users online berated him for his choice of words regarding his country on the global event.

On Tuesday, US Curler Rich Ruohonen spoke on the incidents going on in Minnesota. Though he did not mention any federal agencies, the Olympian expressed that what was happening in the state was “wrong.”

I’m proud to be here, to represent Team USA and to represent our country. But we’d be remiss if we didn’t at least mention what’s going on in Minnesota and what a tough time it’s been for everybody… What’s happening in Minnesota is wrong. There’s no shades of gray.

Rich Ruohonen said regarding the incidents in Minnesota

Ruohonen further clarified that he and his team “love” their country and are playing for the country. He and his teammates will take on Czechia on Wednesday in their first match.

Hunter Hess breaks silence following intense backlash online

Hunter Hess found himself in hot water after his comments last week. Following the intense backlash online, the 27-year-old broke his silence in a post on his social media account on Monday.

Hunter Hess
Hunter Hess (Image via Instagram/@hunterhess10)

Hess’s comments sparked wild reactions from several people, including Jake Paul and Sean Strickland. Even US President Donald Trump reacted to this.

The 79-year-old called Hess a “real loser” and expressed that it was hard to root for someone like him.

U.S. Olympic Skier, Hunter Hess, a real Loser, says he doesn’t represent his Country in the current Winter Olympics... Very hard to root for someone like this.

Donald Trump said regarding Hunter Hess on Truth Social

In a post on Instagram, the Oregon-born star expressed that he loves his country and could not wait to represent them during this games.

I love my country 🇺🇸… I cannot wait to represent Team USA next week when I compete

Hunter Hess said on Instagram

Hess will represent Team USA during the men’s Halfpipe qualifiers event on February 19. Following two bronze medals during the Winter X Games, the athlete would be hoping to bring home an Olympic medal amid the backlash he has faced.

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