The National Rifle Association has delivered a pointed rebuke to former President Donald Trump following his controversial remarks about the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a Minneapolis nurse, by federal immigration agents. This confrontation marks a significant rupture between the powerful gun lobby and the presumptive Republican nominee, highlighting deep divisions within conservative circles over Second Amendment principles.
Trump's Comments Spark Immediate Backlash
During a press briefing on Tuesday, President Trump was questioned about whether he agreed with officials who had characterised Alex Pretti as a domestic terrorist. Mr Trump responded, "I haven't heard that, but certainly shouldn't have been carrying a gun." These remarks came just days after the 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse was shot and killed during an encounter with federal agents in Minneapolis.
Federal authorities initially claimed that Mr Pretti had been "brandishing" a firearm at agents, a narrative that has since been contradicted by multiple investigations. Surveillance footage reviewed by multiple media outlets shows Mr Pretti holding only a mobile telephone before being forcibly restrained and shot. The preliminary review conducted by the Department of Homeland Security's internal watchdog notably makes no mention of weapon brandishing.
NRA's Unambiguous Response
In a carefully worded but unmistakable response published on social media platform X, the NRA stated: "The NRA unequivocally believes that all law-abiding citizens have a right to keep and bear arms anywhere they have a legal right to be." While not mentioning Mr Trump by name, the timing and context of this declaration clearly positioned it as a rebuttal to the former president's comments.
This represents the second instance in recent days where the influential gun rights organisation has challenged statements from Trump administration figures regarding the Minneapolis incident. Earlier, the NRA directly criticised Bill Essayli, the first assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, who had written 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!"
The NRA labelled Mr Essayli's sentiment as "dangerous and wrong" and urged responsible public figures to await complete investigations rather than making sweeping generalisations about law-abiding gun owners.
Contradictory Narratives Emerge
The shooting has generated conflicting accounts from various officials within the Trump administration. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem initially asserted that Mr Pretti had been brandishing a firearm, while Stephen Miller, one of Mr Trump's senior advisers, described the nurse as a "would-be assassin."
However, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara has confirmed that investigators believe Mr Pretti was a lawful gun owner with a valid permit to carry a weapon. Furthermore, analysis conducted by The Washington Post indicates that agents actually secured Mr Pretti's handgun before discharging their weapons.
Administration's Evolving Position
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the growing controversy earlier this week, telling reporters: "As President Trump said yesterday, the administration is reviewing everything with respect to the shooting, and we will let that investigation play out." This more measured approach contrasts sharply with the initial characterisations offered by some administration officials.
The preliminary review released by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Office of Professional Responsibility on Tuesday notably omitted any reference to Mr Pretti brandishing a weapon at federal agents. This official finding further undermines the initial narrative presented by Homeland Security officials in the immediate aftermath of the shooting.
This incident has exposed significant tensions within Republican-aligned organisations regarding gun rights advocacy and law enforcement interactions. The NRA's decision to publicly challenge statements from both President Trump and his appointed officials represents a notable departure from the organisation's typically supportive stance toward the former administration.
