The NRA has joined scores of Americans in pointing out the hypocrisy surrounding MAGA’s defense of the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti.
Intensive care nurse Pretti, 37, was shot and killed by federal agents in Minneapolis on January 24—just weeks after agents shot and killed Renee Nicole Good, 37.
Claims made by the Department of Homeland Security that Pretti brandished a gun at agents and was intent on using it have been strongly disputed by local authorities.
Highlights
- Maga supporters defended ICE taking the life of Alex Pretti despite his legal firearm permit under Minnesota law.
- The NRA criticized government officials for demonizing Pretti and urged waiting for a full investigation.
- Video and forensic reports appear to show Pretti was disarmed before ICE agents fatally shot him.
Alex Pretti was shot and killed by federal agents last week
Image credits: Scott Olson/Getty Images
Historically, Republicans have staunchly protected the Second Amendment, which grants the right to bear arms.
However, after Pretti was killed and it was revealed that he was in possession of a gun, MAGA supporters appeared less keen to defend gun rights.
Pretti was legally allowed to carry the weapon under Minnesota law, as he had a valid firearms permit, confirmed by Minneapolis Police Department chief Brian O’Hara.
Republicans, including those in Donald Trump’s administration, pointed to the fact that Pretti had a gun when defending the actions of ICE.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claimed at a press conference that Pretti had “assaulted” ICE agents, and they acted to defend the public.
“I don't know of any peaceful protester that shows up with a gun and ammunition rather than a sign,” she said.
Similarly, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller claimed that Pretti was “a domestic terrorist who tried to assassinate law enforcement,” without providing evidence.
The startling difference in response to Pretti possessing a gun, compared to other incidents, quickly became a recurring point of discussion online.
“Watch how fast MAGA turns against the second amendment to justify a street execution by their dear leader’s militia,” journalist Rania Khalek wrote on X.
Former U.S. representative and CNN political commentator Adam Kinzinger posted, “I’ll be honest, I did NOT predict that the right would become anti-second amendment. I never imagined the GOP and Noem would oppose peaceful carrying for self-protection. Anyone defending this shooting and pretending to be pro 2A is a fraud, a fool, and evil.”
Author Gina Bonanno added, “And, just like that, MAGA becomes anti-2nd amendment and believes @realDonaldTrump @DHSgov gestapo, jack-booted criminals have the right to shoot and kill Americans for simply CARRYING a gun!”
“MAGA went from ‘teachers should be required to carry guns’ to ‘carrying a gun makes you a criminal’ in record time,” one social media user wrote.
Many have pointed out MAGA’s hypocrisy over the Second Amendment
Image credits: Richard Tsong-Taatarii/The Minnesota Star Tribune
Another posted, “maga: Sorry those kids were killed at school, but no one’s taking away my right to carry. F**k that. Also, maga: He was carrying. ICE is justified.”
The National Rifle Association (NRA) also disputed comments made by law enforcement officials, responding to a statement made by U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli.
“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!” Essayli said.
In response, the NRA described his statement as dangerous and wrong.
“Responsible public voices should be awaiting a full investigation, not making generalizations and demonizing law-abiding citizens.”
Video footage released on social media also appears to contradict the claim that ICE agents fired “defensive shots” at Pretti.
Forensic analysis by major media outlets, including The New York Times and CNN, found that Pretti appeared to have been disarmed before he was fatally shot.
Available footage, reviewed from several angles, at no point appeared to show that Pretti was holding a 9mm semi-automatic handgun, as the DHS claimed.
Footage did show Pretti attempting to help a protester before he was thrown to the ground by several ICE agents and repeatedly struck.
An officer then approached Pretti while agents had him on the ground and appeared to remove a gun from his waistband, stepping away from the scuffle.
Image credits: Stephen Maturen/Getty Images
At least 10 gunshots were then heard ringing out as protesters screamed in alarm.
Five of those shots are believed to have been fired by an agent while Pretti lay on the ground wounded, and ICE had already moved back following the initial shots.