Gun Rights Groups Clash With Republicans Over Protester's Death

In a surprising turn of events, some officials from the Trump administration have found themselves at odds with gun rights groups. This disagreement stems from the killing of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, during a protest in Minneapolis. Pretti was carrying a legally permitted handgun when he was shot multiple times by federal agents.

Administration's Stance

Several high-ranking officials, including President Donald Trump, have suggested that Pretti should not have brought a gun to the protest. FBI Director Kash Patel, for instance, stated on Fox News:

"You cannot bring a firearm, loaded, with multiple magazines, to any sort of protest that you want. It’s that simple."

This stance has drawn sharp criticism from gun rights groups, who argue that Pretti was merely exercising his constitutional right to bear arms.

Gun Rights Groups Respond

The National Rifle Association (NRA) and other gun rights organizations have countered that the administration's position undermines a fundamental principle of conservative politics. They argue that the right to carry a gun should not be restricted based on the setting, including protests. The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus went so far as to call Patel's comments:

"completely incorrect on Minnesota law."

Implications for the Republican Party

This rift could have significant implications for the Republican Party, especially as they head into the November midterm elections. Gun rights groups are not only major donors to Republican campaigns but also play a crucial role in mobilizing voters. Bryan Strawser, chairman of the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, warned that the administration's stance could alienate a key constituency.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that voters are already disgruntled over issues like the cost of living and healthcare costs. Adding to their frustration is the aggressive tactics employed in Trump's immigration crackdown. Jacob Perry, a Republican strategist, described the administration's approach to gun rights as:

"unbelievably stupid," noting that the NRA and other gun lobby groups have been a bedrock constituency of the Republican Party for decades.

The Incident

Verified videos reviewed by Reuters show Pretti holding a phone, not a gun, as he filmed federal agents pushing protesters to the ground. After stepping between an agent and two women, Pretti was pepper-sprayed, subdued, and pinned to the ground. Footage then appears to show an agent removing a handgun from Pretti’s waistband. Moments later, an officer shot Pretti four times in the back, with additional shots fired by other agents.

NRA Criticizes Trump-Appointed Prosecutor

The NRA and other gun rights groups have avoided directly criticizing Trump but have targeted comments made by Bill Essayli, a Trump-appointed federal prosecutor. Essayli wrote on social media that:

"if you approach law enforcement with a gun, there is a high likelihood they will be legally justified in shooting you."

The NRA called his remarks:

"dangerous and wrong."

Historical Context

Gun rights have deep roots in American history, tied to a frontier mentality and a resistance to tyranny. However, it wasn't until the 1960s and 1970s that gun rights became a major political and cultural issue. Political assassinations in 1968, including those of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy, led to the 1968 Gun Control Act. This law triggered a backlash among conservatives, who saw it as government overreach.

The modern gun-rights movement was born in 1977 when the NRA leadership shifted from mostly gun club members to hardline political activists. Jeanette Hoffman, a Republican consultant, noted that gun owners are a reliable Republican bloc and take their Second Amendment rights seriously. She warned that this could have ramifications in the midterms if Second Amendment groups feel their constitutional rights are under attack by the Trump administration.

Conservative Protests and Gun Rights

Conservatives have often brought weapons to protests. Among them was Kyle Rittenhouse, who was acquitted on charges of killing two people and wounding another during a 2020 protest in Wisconsin. He was later praised by conservatives and met with Trump. Rittenhouse posted on X on Monday:

"Carry everywhere. It is your right."