Press Release: MN Gun Owners Caucus responds to the shooting death of Alex Pretti

[WhiskeyGrinder]

https://gunowners.mn/press-release-shooting-death-alex-pretti/

We are deeply concerned by this morning’s reports that a federal law enforcement operation in Minneapolis resulted in the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti by federal agents. According to local officials, the man was legally armed, a firearm was recovered at the scene, and he is believed to have been a lawful gun owner and permit to carry holder.

Many critical facts remain unknown.

We do not yet have an independent account of what initiated the encounter or what triggered the use of deadly force. Despite widespread speculation regarding intent, there has been no evidence produced indicating an intent to harm the officers. We are calling for a full and transparent investigation by both state and federal authorities.

Every peaceable Minnesotan has the right to keep and bear arms—including while attending protests, acting as observers, or exercising their First Amendment rights. These rights do not disappear when someone is lawfully armed, and they must be respected and protected at all times.

[Ocelot II]

1. Strange bedfellows...

[Whyisthisstillclose]

2. Better response than I expected. Perhaps this lawless fascist regime is starting to concern 2A absolutists?

[Aviation Pro]

3. Weak sauce

Why aren’t they showing up at ICE HQ brandishing their AR-15s?

[JBTaurus83]

5. Because ICE WILL shoot them

Those type of people only like to carry their weapons around in places where they know they aren’t in any real danger.

[Aviation Pro]

8. My inferred point

They are fucking cowards.

[vapor2]

4. Nah an independent account not likely to happen by this regime

When will any ice ambush stop?

[SCantiGOP]

6. They tried to warn us

That Obama and Biden would criminalize our guns, and maybe even kill people for carrying guns.
It took a few years, but now it has happened.

[biophile]

7. Where's the effing NRA now?

[Skittles]

13. supporting and participating in tyranny

that's where

[IronLionZion]

20. Probably wearing ICE uniforms and supporting big government tyranny

[flvegan]

9. LOL "...full and transparent investigation by both state and federal authorities."

That's hilarious. Member when they fully investigated Jonathan Ross who murdered Renee Good earlier this month? Then, LOL, member when the mayor told ICE to "get the fuck out" and they didn't? I member.

Good stuff, highly entertaining dialogue.

[OC375]

10. Even liberals own shotguns in MN

Not surprised at all the org is commenting on carry permit aspects. We legalized suppressors here 10 years ago.

Be interesting if the more extreme 2A activists from around the country flood the area dressed like ICE - AR's, batman belts, leotards, radios... the whole megillah. What could go wrong? Presumably they'd have access to the same areas anyone does. I remember various groups showing up at Fergusson and other places in the past, so there's precedence.

[JHB]

11. Weak, passive voice. "Widespread speculation"? Try "immediate baseless accusations from major officials"

[flashman13]

12. While I agree the statement could be stronger, I would sign off on that statement.

Bottom line: If it is legal to carry a permitted weapon in Minnesota then it's legal regardless of which side of the political divide you stand. ICE took it upon itself to murder Alex Pretti because he was on what they defined as the wrong side of the divide, not because he was armed. If the 2A hard liners see this as that first step by the Federal Government to criminalize and confiscate guns, they may be on the right track. I find that very ironic.

[CaptainTruth]

14. I've been waiting for the gun rights folks to show up.

[JMCKUSICK]

15. I'm sorry, but is this real?

Stand up for armed Minnesotans, but silent as a church mouse for the unarmed? SERIOUSLY?

[SunSeeker]

16. What more do they need to see? There's lots of video from all angles.

Alex Pretti had no gun in hand when ICE goons executed him.

[AverageOldGuy]

17. No doubt . . .

No doubt the NRA will get right on this and sue the Gestapo for wrongful death.

Am I right?????????????????

[Zelda_Orchid]

18. Just plum forgot to show up to fight tyranny

And when they do get around to discussing it, they can't get the votes together to oppose it.

[JI7]

19. If it was a white racist pedo thug shot while he was tryng to kidnap a child

they would be outraged.

[anneboleyn]

21. Noem's ridiculous comments labeled every lawful gun owner with a carry permit a criminal who could be shot on sight

Their idiotic and repulsive efforts to craft an absurd narrative justifying what is nothing less than a blatant execution by ice agents made Noem contort herself into a ludicrous claim that this lawful gun owner with a carry permit can be regarded as “threatening” law enforcement and therefore be shot on sight.

And of course Trump implied the same thing by pretending that the presence of a loaded gun — again Alex had a legal permit to carry and his gun was holstered — justified the murder of this legal observer who was doing nothing wrong (except of course scaring the big bad ice boys by filming their activities).

We’ll see how all of the rabid 2A supporters articulate their thoughts on Noem’s ludicrous stance given how concerned they are when the 2A becomes an issue and their right to carry is threatened…