Gun-rights figures reject claim that pistol justified killing of Minneapolis protester

High-profile gun rights activists and groups pushed back on Saturday at government officials’ statements that federal agents may have been justified in killing a Minneapolis man during a protest because he was carrying a pistol. A Los Angeles federal prosecutor, Bill Essayli, wrote on social media, “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!” Gun Owners of America condemned his “untoward comments,” saying federal agents are not “highly likely” to be “legally justified” in shooting concealed-carry licensees who approach while lawfully carrying. The National Rifle Association blamed Gov. Tim Walz and “radical progressive politicians” for encouraging people to interpose themselves into law-enforcement actions, but also called Mr.

Essayli’s comments “dangerous and wrong” and urged awaiting a full investigation. Video footage shows Alex Jeffrey Pretti, an intensive care nurse at a Veterans Affairs hospital, step between a woman and an agent using pepper spray, then be sprayed himself; he appeared to hold a phone in one hand and nothing in the other, and as agents restrained him one appeared to take his pistol before agents opened fire, killing him.

Chief Brian O’Hara of the Minneapolis police said Mr. Pretti was a U.S. citizen with no known criminal record and had a permit allowing open carry.

Key Topics

Politics, Gun Rights Activists, Alex Pretti, Minneapolis, Bill Essayli, National Rifle Association