Gun rights groups are firing back at the Trump administration's justification for the shooting death of 37-year-old Minneapolis protester Alex Pretti, calling for a thorough investigation into the incident.
FBI Director Kash Patel claimed that Pretti intended to "break the law and incite violence" by bringing a loaded firearm to a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Patel's assertion is contradicted by the National Rifle Association, which has deemed his statement "dangerous and wrong."
The NRA criticized Patel's remarks as an attempt to demonize law-abiding citizens who exercise their Second Amendment rights in a peaceful manner. The organization also questioned the FBI director's claim that protesters with firearms pose an inherent threat to officers.
On the other hand, President Trump referred to Pretti as the "gunman" and Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino described the protest as a "riot." However, some prominent figures from the Republican camp have distanced themselves from this rhetoric, including U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, who acknowledged that approaching officers with a gun could lead to unintended consequences.
The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus has taken a similar stance, calling for a full and transparent investigation into the incident. The group argued that there is no evidence to suggest Pretti intended harm to law enforcement officers and that permit holders have the right to carry firearms at protests and rallies in Minnesota.
In contrast to Patel's comments, which were deemed "completely incorrect" by the caucus, they emphasized the importance of responsible gun ownership and peaceful protest. The NRA echoed this sentiment, stating that "responsible public voices should be awaiting a full investigation, not making generalizations and demonizing law-abiding citizens."
FBI Director Kash Patel claimed that Pretti intended to "break the law and incite violence" by bringing a loaded firearm to a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Patel's assertion is contradicted by the National Rifle Association, which has deemed his statement "dangerous and wrong."
The NRA criticized Patel's remarks as an attempt to demonize law-abiding citizens who exercise their Second Amendment rights in a peaceful manner. The organization also questioned the FBI director's claim that protesters with firearms pose an inherent threat to officers.
On the other hand, President Trump referred to Pretti as the "gunman" and Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino described the protest as a "riot." However, some prominent figures from the Republican camp have distanced themselves from this rhetoric, including U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, who acknowledged that approaching officers with a gun could lead to unintended consequences.
The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus has taken a similar stance, calling for a full and transparent investigation into the incident. The group argued that there is no evidence to suggest Pretti intended harm to law enforcement officers and that permit holders have the right to carry firearms at protests and rallies in Minnesota.
In contrast to Patel's comments, which were deemed "completely incorrect" by the caucus, they emphasized the importance of responsible gun ownership and peaceful protest. The NRA echoed this sentiment, stating that "responsible public voices should be awaiting a full investigation, not making generalizations and demonizing law-abiding citizens."
. It's like they're saying "oh, look, a guy with a gun, must be trouble!" 
. But what about all the peaceful protesters who carry firearms as a precautionary measure? Shouldn't we be focusing on finding ways to de-escalate conflicts, rather than stigmatizing certain groups of people? 
. And let's not forget that President Trump himself referred to Alex Pretti as the "gunman", which is just totally unfair and inaccurate 
. The FBI director's comments should be scrutinized too, especially since they seem to be contradicting the NRA's stance on this issue 
.
I mean, come on, FBI Director Patel is basically saying that someone who's just exercising their 2nd Amendment rights is gonna incite violence? That's so messed up! 
The NRA totally gets it - it's not about demonizing law-abiding citizens, it's about being responsible with your firearms. And can we please call out the President for using some pretty questionable language too? 
I mean, can you blame Alex Pretti for feeling the need to protect himself in that intense environment? It's like our society is saying, "Hey, if you want to exercise your right to bear arms, do it in a crowded space where someone might try to hurt you" 
This whole thing is just so messed up 
. And can we talk about how ridiculous it is that there's all these conflicting narratives here? Like, President Trump calls him the "gunman" but some other people are saying he wasn't even threatening anyone? It's just so confusing 
. And what really gets me is how this whole thing is being used to demonize law-abiding gun owners who are just trying to exercise their rights peacefully 
.
that's super irresponsible and just fueling the hate.
I know it's not an excuse to bring a gun to a protest, but let's not forget that it's a Second Amendment right too... 
We need to get to the bottom of this without jumping to conclusions or demonizing law-abiding citizens.
. But at the same time, we need to have some common sense about public safety and how people approach law enforcement officers 
.
like, can't we just want to know the truth about what went down? 
i mean, Trump and Bovino were all quick to call him the "gunman" but then some ppl in republicans are being all calm and stuff. 
