The National Rifle Association (NRA) has joined other US gun lobby groups in calling for a full investigation by the Trump administration into the killing of Alex Pretti, a registered nurse at a Veterans Affairs hospital, in Minneapolis. Pretti was shot by a border agent during an incident that has sparked public outcry and calls for clarity.
Conflicting reports have emerged in the wake of the shooting, with state and federal officials providing starkly different accounts. The Trump administration claims Pretti was carrying a gun and posed a danger to law enforcement, a narrative that a video does not support, showing no evidence of him holding a weapon.
In a statement, the NRA criticized comments by a federal prosecutor who suggested that people who carry guns risk being shot by officers, labeling this idea dangerous and wrong. The NRA emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the incident before making generalizations about gun ownership.
Bill Essayli, First Assistant US Attorney for the Central District of California, made the controversial remark on social media, sparking criticism from various quarters, including other gun advocacy organizations. The NRA stated that all officer-involved shootings warrant robust investigations.
Additionally, critics like Republican Thomas Massie argued that carrying a firearm should not place individuals at risk of being shot, calling it a constitutional right. In a follow-up, Essayli defended his earlier comments, claiming they were misinterpreted and directed at individuals approaching law enforcement with weapons.
This recent incident marks a second fatal shooting involving federal agents in Minneapolis as part of an ICE crackdown on illegal immigration, raising further concerns regarding law enforcement practices. Video footage from bystanders has surfaced, which captures the moments before Pretti was shot, highlighting the complexity and urgency of transparency surrounding the incident.
Questions remain about the actions taken by law enforcement, with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey expressing dissatisfaction with the government’s portrayal of the shooting. They contend that the narrative being pushed is misleading and risks fomenting further unrest.
