With protests filling Minneapolis streets, John Mulaney delays his shows, saying laughs can wait when fans’ safety is at stake.
John Mulaney is pressing pause on his Minneapolis performances, choosing caution and care as the city grapples with grief and unrest following a deadly shooting involving an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer.
The comedian announced on Instagram that his three scheduled shows in Minneapolis would be postponed, explaining that the current situation made it unsafe to ask fans to gather in large numbers.
Rather than focusing on the disruption to his tour, Mulaney centered his message on the people who live there.
“What’s happening in your city is heartbreaking,” he wrote, acknowledging the emotional toll residents are facing. While he noted how unfair postponements can feel to audiences who have been looking forward to a night out, Mulaney said he ultimately couldn’t justify moving forward as planned.
The decision comes after Renee Nicole Good was shot and killed on Wednesday while sitting in her car by an ICE agent. The incident sparked protests across Minneapolis, with many residents demanding accountability and answers.
As tensions rose, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that the officer acted in self-defense, a claim Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey publicly rejected, calling it “garbage.”
Mulaney was set to perform Friday through Sunday as part of his Mister Whatever Tour. According to his post, tickets will remain valid for the rescheduled dates—Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, April 10 through April 12—so fans won’t need to repurchase.
“I am sorry to anyone who is disappointed,” Mulaney added. “I know a fun stand-up show could be a nice distraction, but it doesn’t sit right with me to put anyone at risk.”
For many fans, the move was seen as a thoughtful response during a tense moment for the city. While comedy often offers relief during hard times, Mulaney’s choice reflects a belief that safety and respect for a community’s pain must come first—even if that means waiting a little longer for the laughs.
