The Border Patrol shooting of Alex Jeffrey Pretti sparked a rare clash among gun rights groups over lawful carry and protest rights in Minneapolis.
The fatal Border Patrol shooting of a man who the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) says was armed with a 9mm pistol during a confrontation with agents on Saturday has sparked a clash among gun rights groups, pitting defenses of lawful carry and protest rights against warnings about escalating anti-law-enforcement rhetoric.
Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old Minneapolis resident, was shot Saturday morning while allegedly protesting an immigration enforcement operation targeting an illegal immigrant with a criminal record.
DHS officials say Pretti approached Border Patrol agents while armed with a handgun and « violently resisted » when they attempted to disarm him, leading to the shooting.
State officials said Pretti, who was pronounced dead at the scene, had a lawful Permit to Carry (PTC), and court records obtained by Fox News Digital indicate he did not have a criminal record.
The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus quickly responded to the shooting, calling it « deeply concerning. »
« 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 », the organization wrote in a statement.
