A notable fracture has emerged within the conservative political ecosystem following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, by federal immigration officials in Minneapolis. The National Rifle Association (NRA) and allied gun advocacy groups are now publicly demanding a comprehensive federal investigation into the incident, implicitly distancing themselves from initial justifications offered by figures within the current administration.
The controversy centers on widely circulated video footage that appears to show Pretti, a lawful US citizen reportedly permitted to carry a concealed firearm, being shot without visibly brandishing a weapon. In the immediate aftermath, Bill Essayli, a Trump appointee serving as an acting first assistant US attorney in California, suggested on social media that approaching law enforcement while armed carries a high risk of justifiable lethal force.
The NRA swiftly denounced Essayli's assertion, labeling the sentiment as "dangerous and wrong" and insisting that responsible voices await a full investigation rather than "demonizing law-abiding citizens." Gun Owners of America echoed this sentiment, arguing that the Second Amendment protects the right to carry lawfully, even during protests. This internal friction was highlighted when California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office publicly mocked the NRA for criticizing a Trump administration appointee, noting, “Your position is truly horrible when even the NRA calls you out.” Essayli later clarified his remarks, suggesting he referred specifically to armed individuals aggressively refusing to disarm.
The incident underscores the complex legal and political tightrope walk surrounding the right to bear arms in public confrontations. Several prominent figures, including Republican Representative Thomas Massie, have criticized Essayli’s stance, asserting that lawful firearm possession cannot constitute a death sentence. Furthermore, witnesses and video evidence appear to contradict official narratives suggesting the officers’ actions were purely defensive, as Pretti was reportedly not brandishing a weapon.
Calls for transparency are mounting, extending beyond gun rights groups. The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus demanded a transparent investigation by both state and federal authorities, emphasizing that the right to carry arms while exercising First Amendment rights remains protected. The caucus also directly challenged FBI Director Kash Patel’s commentary suggesting Pretti violated prohibitions on carrying loaded firearms at protests, stating clearly that permit holders in Minnesota face no such restriction, regardless of magazine capacity.
The political dimension is further complicated by past statements from former President Trump, who frequently aligned himself with gun rights groups during his 2024 campaign, warning that his rival administration would pursue confiscation. The NRA, which had previously endorsed Trump’s stance on gun control debates, now finds itself aligned with Democratic figures, such as Governor Newsom, in demanding accountability from the administration's legal appointees regarding the use of force against a lawful carrier. This developing situation signals potential headwinds for the administration in maintaining a unified front on constitutional rights enforcement.
Source: Based on reporting from The Guardian.