NRA blames 'calls to dangerously interject oneself' into ICE activities for Alex Pretti's death

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: The National Rifle Association (NRA) has shared a statement following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti while urging “the political voices to lower the temperature.”

The 37-year-old ICU nurse died after being repeatedly shot by a Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis on Saturday, January 24.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has defended the action, saying that the agent shot Pretti in self-defense as he was carrying a 9mm semi-automatic handgun and resisted their attempts to disarm him.

“The suspect also had 2 magazines and no ID—this looks like a situation where an individual wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement,” the DHS added.

NRA says law enforcement officers 'are simply trying to do their jobs'

However, eyewitnesses, local officials, and the victim's family have slammed the justification while calling out the administration’s "sickening lies."

Amid this, the NRA has accused Minnesota Governor Tim Walz of inciting violence.

The association said, “For months, radical progressive politicians like Tim Walz have incited violence against law enforcement officers who are simply trying to do their jobs.”

“Unsurprisingly, these calls to dangerously interject oneself into legitimate law-enforcement activities have ended in violence, tragically resulting in injuries and fatalities,” it claimed.

NRA urges patience as investigation goes on

The advocacy group also asked for patience as the probe into Pretti’s death has been launched.

“As there is with any officer-involved shooting, there will be a robust and comprehensive investigation that takes place to determine if the use of force was justified,” NRA stated.

It also added that “as we await these facts and gain a clearer understanding, we urge the political voices to lower the temperature to ensure their constituents and law enforcement officers stay safe.”

NRA slams First Assistant US Attorney's statement on Alex Pretti's shooting

Later, the NRA went on to slam an attorney under the Trump administration, who appeared to defend the fatal shooting.

First Assistant US Attorney Bill Essayli, a top federal prosecutor in Los Angeles, wrote on X, “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!”

But the NRA called the early judgment “dangerous and wrong”.

It responded, “This sentiment from the First Assistant US Attorney for the Central District of California is dangerous and wrong. Responsible public voices should be awaiting a full investigation, not making generalizations and demonizing law-abiding citizens.”

Pretti’s killing happened weeks after Renee Nicole Good was shot and killed by a federal agent on January 7 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Trump administration has defended the ICE agent, Jonathan Ross, saying he shot in self-defense, which was met with disagreement and has resulted in widespread protests all over the state.