Minnesota’s AG Previously Joined Other Blue States Arguing Against Right To Bear Arms At Political Rallies, Protests

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison previously argued that Americans have no Second Amendment right to carry firearms at political protests.

Ellison joined 16 other attorneys general from Democrat-led states in an amicus brief filed with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in January 2024, according to court records. The coalition argued states can ban firearms at political rallies and protests because such events attract violence.

The group also contended that guns at demonstrations could intimidate people and discourage them from speaking freely. (RELATED: Gun Rights Groups Urge ‘Responsible Public Voices’ In Aftermath Of MN Shooting)

Ellison’s legal stance faced scrutiny Saturday when Border Patrol agents fatally shot Alex Pretti during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis. The 37-year-old ICU nurse held a valid permit to carry and had no criminal record, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said.

The AGs of DC, IL, CT, DE, HI, MD, MA, MI, MN, NV, NJ, NY, OR, PA, RI, VT, and WA argued in 2024 that there’s no 2A right to carry guns at “events involving political speech, like political rallies and protests” because they are “often targets of violence” https://t.co/471u7bqPEi pic.twitter.com/bN5KHgMf4e

— Rob Romano (@2Aupdates) January 25, 2026

In a statement, the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus called the shooting “deeply concerning.”

“Every peaceable Minnesotan has the right to keep and bear arms—including while attending protests, acting as observers, or exercising their First Amendment rights,” the organization said. “These rights do not disappear when someone is lawfully armed.”

In comments to the Minneapolis-based FOX 9, Rob Doar of the Minnesota Gun Owners Law Center pushed back against Ellison’s reasoning.

“If he had a permit to carry, it’s not unlawful to be carrying while you’re exercising your First Amendment right,” Doar said. “You don’t have to pick between which rights you exercise.”

Doar added that video footage appeared to show agents had already removed Pretti’s firearm before they opened fire.

Ellison has since filed a lawsuit to preserve evidence in the shooting. He labeled the federal presence in Minnesota an “illegal and unconstitutional occupation” and called for a full investigation into Pretti’s death.