Fatal Border Patrol-involved shooting sparks gun rights debate
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The fatal shooting by Border Patrol of a man who the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said was armed with a 9mm handgun during a confrontation with agents has sparked a clash between gun rights groups, pitting legal carry defenses and rights to protest against warnings of growing anti-law enforcement rhetoric.
Minneapolis resident Alex Jeffrey Pretti, 37, was shot Saturday morning while allegedly protesting an immigration enforcement operation targeting an illegal immigrant with a criminal record.
DHS officials say Pretti approached Border Patrol agents While he was armed with a pistol and they tried to disarm him, they “violently resisted”, leading to the shooting.
Pretti, who was pronounced dead at the scene, had a legal Permit to Carry (PTC), and court records obtained by Fox News Digital show he had no criminal record, state officials said.
Members of what’s called an “armed community response” patrol near the scene of a deadly Border Patrol-involved shooting in Minneapolis on Saturday. (AP Photo/Adam Gray)
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The Minnesota Gun Owners Group quickly responded, calling the attack “deeply concerning.”
“According to local authorities, the man was legally armed, a firearm was seized at the scene, and he is believed to be a legal gun owner and have a permit to carry it,” the organization said in a statement.
They added that many critical facts are still unknown because the shooting took place just a few hours ago.
This undated photo provided by Michael Pretti shows Alex J. Pretti, who was shot by a federal officer in Minneapolis on Saturday. (Michael Pretti via AP)
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“We do not yet have an independent account of what initiated the encounter or what triggered the use of deadly force,” the Minnesota Gun Owners Group wrote. “Despite widespread speculation of premeditation, no evidence of intent to harm officers has been produced. We call for a full and transparent investigation by both state and federal authorities.
“Every peaceful Minnesotan has the right to keep and bear arms, including when participating in protests, acting as an observer, or exercising their First Amendment rights. These rights do not end when someone is legally armed, and these rights must always be respected and protected.”
Contradicting the Minnesota Gun Owners Group’s response, the National Rifle Association (NRA) released a statement on social media accusing Democratic leaders in the blue state of “incitement.”[ing] violence against law enforcement” and imploring Minnesotans to turn down the temperature amid ongoing unrest.
The National Rifle Association released a statement on social media accusing Democratic leaders in the blue state of “incitement.”[ing] violence against law enforcement”. (Carlos Barria/Reuters)
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“For months, radical progressive politicians [Minnesota Gov.] “Tim Walz encouraged violence against law enforcement officers who were just trying to do their jobs,” the NRA wrote in an X post.
The NRA noted that as with any officer-involved shooting, there will be a “robust and thorough investigation to determine whether the use of force was justified.”
“As we await these facts and gain a clearer understanding, we call on political voices to lower the temperature to ensure their voters and law enforcement remain safe,” NRA officials wrote.
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As gun rights groups chimed in, members of the so-called “armed community response” in Minneapolis patrolled near the scene of the shooting Saturday night.
At least two people wearing tactical vests and carrying open arms were seen in the area.
DHS is leading the investigation into the shooting with assistance from the FBI.
