The National Rifle Association (NRA) has joined a coalition of U.S. gun rights organizations in demanding a comprehensive investigation by the Trump administration into the February 24 shooting of Alex Pretti, a registered nurse, by a federal agent in Minneapolis.
This incident has ignited a heated debate over the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Authorities have given conflicting accounts, with the Trump administration asserting that Pretti was armed and posed a threat to law enforcement, while no available video evidence corroborates that claim.
The NRA condemned a federal prosecutor's suggestion that individuals carrying firearms might be justifiably shot by law enforcement, deeming it 'dangerous and wrong'. In a statement, the NRA stated, 'Responsible public voices should be awaiting a full investigation, not making generalisations and demonising law-abiding citizens.'
The comments from First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, who indicated that approaching law enforcement with a weapon increases the likelihood of a justified shooting, drew sharp criticism from both gun advocacy groups and political figures across party lines.
Republican Representative Thomas Massie remarked, 'Carrying a firearm is not a death sentence; it's a constitutionally protected right.' Meanwhile, the Gun Owners of America affirmed the necessity of the Second Amendment in safeguarding the right to bear arms during protests.
This incident marks the second time this month that federal agents have been involved in a fatal shooting related to ICE's ongoing immigration operations. State officials, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, have expressed strong disagreement with the federal administration's narrative, branding it as 'nonsense' and 'lies'.
In the wake of the incident, video footage has emerged that captures the moments leading up to the shooting, pending a thorough investigation by both state and federal authorities.
