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The fatal Border Patrol shooting of a man during a confrontation with agents on Saturday, who the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) says was armed with a 9mm pistol, has sparked conflict among gun rights groups, challenging the defense of lawful carry and protest rights against warnings about anti-carry rhetoric.
Alex Jeffrey Pretty, 37, of Minneapolis, was shot Saturday morning as he protested against an immigration enforcement operation allegedly targeting an illegal immigrant with a criminal record.
DHS officials say Preeti contacted border patrol agent He was armed with a handgun and “violently resisted” when they attempted to disarm him, leading to a shootout.
State officials said Preeti, who was declared dead at the scene, had a valid Permit to Carry (PTC), and court records obtained by Fox News Digital indicate she had no criminal record.
Members of the so-called “Armed Community Response” patrol near the scene of a deadly shooting involving the Border Patrol in Minneapolis on Saturday. (AP Photo/Adam Gray)
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The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus immediately reacted to the shooting, calling it “deeply concerning.”
“According to local authorities, the individual was legally armed, a firearm was recovered at the scene, and he is believed to be a lawful gun owner and permit holder,” the organization wrote in a statement.
He said many important facts remained unknown because the shooting had occurred just hours earlier.
This undated photo provided by Michael Pretty was taken by Alex J. Shows Pretty, the man who was shot by a federal officer in Minneapolis on Saturday. (Michael Pretty via AP)
Minnesota police chiefs alleged that some ICE agents racially profiled American citizens, including off-duty officers.
“We do not yet have an independent account of who initiated the encounter or what led to the use of deadly force,” the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus wrote. “Despite widespread speculation about intent, no evidence has been presented indicating intent to harm officers. We are demanding a full and transparent investigation by both state and federal authorities.”
“Every peaceful Minnesotan has the right to keep and bear arms – including participating in protests, acting as observers, or exercising their First Amendment rights. These rights do not disappear when someone is legally armed, and they must be respected and protected at all times.”
In contrast to the response from the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, the National Rifle Association (NRA) issued a statement on social media blaming Democrat leaders in the blue state for “incitement.”[ing] violence” against law enforcement officers, and an appeal to Minnesotans to turn down the temperature amid the ongoing unrest.
The National Rifle Association released a statement on social media blaming state Democrat leaders for “incitement”[ing] Violence” against law enforcement officers. (Carlos Barria/Reuters)
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“For months, radical progressive politicians like [Minnesota Gov.] “Tim Walz has incited violence against law enforcement officers who are simply trying to do their jobs,” the NRA wrote in an X post. “Not surprisingly, these calls to dangerously involve themselves in legitimate law-enforcement activities have ended in violence, tragically resulting in injuries and deaths.”
The NRA said 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 urge political voices to lower the temperature to ensure that their constituents and law enforcement officers remain safe,” NRA officials wrote.
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As gun rights groups spoke out, members of the so-called “armed community response” in Minneapolis patrolled near the shooting scene Saturday night.
At least two men wearing tactical jackets and open weapons were seen at the location.
DHS is leading the investigation into the shooting, with assistance from the FBI.
