ICYMI: Trump admin lies, is hit by gun groups and MAGA Republicans

WASHINGTON — This weekend in Minneapolis, Alex Pretti was shot and killed by federal ICE agents. He was a lawful gun owner with a valid permit, who wasn’t threatening anyone. Alex Pretti deserves justice, and all Americans deserve to have their rights respected while staying safe.

In the days since his death, the Trump administration has made unsubstantiated claims about Pretti, lied about how he died, and then falsely stated that his legal carry of a weapon entitled law enforcement to shoot him. Stephen Miller said, with no evidence, that Alex Pretti was trying to murder federal agents. Kash Patel has wrongly stated that it is illegal to bring guns to protests (it is not, under Minnesota law). Karoline Leavitt said, “Any gun owner knows when you are carrying a weapon and are confronted by law enforcement, you are raising the assumption of risk and the risk of force being used against you.” 

Even extreme gun groups and MAGA Republicans agree: Alex Pretti should not have been killed for legally carrying a gun. Here’s a roundup:

Republican Legislators

Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky.

Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La.

Former Vice President Mike Pence

Former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga.

Gun Rights Groups

Gun Owners of America

National Association for Gun Rights

Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus

Cam Edwards, Bearing Arms