Gun Rights Groups Urge ‘Responsible Public Voices’ In Aftermath Of MN Shooting

Gun rights organizations are demanding investigations and measured rhetoric after federal agents fatally shot a lawfully armed man during an immigration operation in Minneapolis.

The National Rifle Association (NRA) posted on X that “radical progressive politicians like Tim Walz have incited violence against law enforcement officers who are simply trying to do their jobs.” The group said calls to interfere with law enforcement “have ended in violence, tragically resulting in injuries and fatalities.”

The NRA urged political figures to “lower the temperature to ensure their constituents and law enforcement officers stay safe.” (RELATED: ‘It’s All Bullsh*t’: Tim Walz Goes On Anti-Second Amendment Rant)

Gun rights groups united in condemning First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli after he posted on X that approaching law enforcement while armed means “there is a high likelihood they will be legally justified in shooting you.”

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! https://t.co/DNpyew6PMh

— F.A. United States Attorney Bill Essayli (@USAttyEssayli) January 24, 2026

The NRA responded on X by calling Essayli’s statement “dangerous and wrong.” The group added that “responsible public voices should be awaiting a full investigation, not making generalizations and demonizing law-abiding citizens.”

Gun Owners of America (GOA) posted on X that federal agents are not “highly likely” to be “legally justified” in shooting concealed carry permit holders who approach while lawfully armed. The group said the Second Amendment protects the right to bear arms while protesting.

The Second Amendment Foundation also demanded an investigation. Kostas Moros, the group’s director of legal research and education, told The Reload that claiming lawful carry near officers justifies lethal force “is an affront to the Second Amendment rights of all Americans.”

The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus (MGOC) released a statement calling the shooting “deeply concerning.” The group demanded a full investigation by state and federal authorities. It noted that no evidence has emerged showing the man intended to harm officers.

Alex Jeffrey Pretti, 37, held a valid permit to carry and had no criminal record, Fox News reported. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claimed Pretti approached agents with a 9mm pistol and “violently resisted” when they tried to disarm him. DHS is leading the investigation with FBI assistance.

The MGOC said Second Amendment rights apply to lawful gun owners at protests. “These rights do not disappear when someone is lawfully armed, and they must be respected and protected at all times,” the group said.