Several prominent Second Amendment rights groups have blasted federal officials for suggesting it's dangerous – and possibly an indication of mal intent – for lawful gun owners to protest while in possession of their legally obtained firearms.
The controversy came after a Border Patrol agent on Jan. 24 shot and killed Alex Pretti, registered nurse at a Veterans Affairs hospital, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Federal officials said Pretti had a handgun and intended to "kill law enforcement." But videos and a witness account in federal court show Pretti holding a phone, not brandishing a firearm. Video also shows a federal agent with free hands entering the struggle with Pretti and emerge carrying a firearm before another agent opened fire. The firearm resembled the one in an image posted by the White House and displayed at a Department of Homeland Security news conference.
Minneapolis' police chief said Pretti had a concealed carry license.
Hours after the fatal shooting, Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli in Southern California took to X and said, "If you approach law enforcement with a gun, there is a high likelihood they will be legally justified in shooting you. Don’t do it!" Other members of the Trump administration argued peaceful protesters don't show up with guns.
