‘Dangerous and wrong.' NRA slams U.S. attorney's response to Minneapolis shooting
A high-ranking federal prosecutor in California is receiving backlash Saturday from gun rights groups like the NRA after his comments on the deadly shooting in Minneapolis Saturday.
In a post on X, U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli cautioned against approaching law enforcement with a firearm, arguing that there is a “high likelihood” officers would be legally justified in shooting.
The National Rifle Association condemned Essayli’s comments on the shooting.
“This sentiment from the First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California is dangerous and wrong,” wrote the NRA in a response to his comment on X. “Responsible public voices should be awaiting a full investigation, not making generalizations and demonizing law-abiding citizens.
The NRA also commented on the Minneapolis shooting, accusing government officials of inciting the violence against officers.
“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,” wrote the NRA.
Alex Jeffrey Pretti, 37, the man shot and killed by a Border Patrol agent, was in possession of a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said that Pretti was a “lawful gun owner with a permit to carry.”
The permit Pretti possessed allowed the gun owner to open or concealed carry in Minnesota, according to the state’s legislature.
The Gun Owners of America organization also blasted the U.S. attorney’s post.
“Furthermore, we condemn the untoward comments of @USAttyEssayli. Federal agents are not “highly likely” to be “legally justified” in “shooting” concealed carry licensees who approach while lawfully carrying a firearm. The Second Amendment protects Americans’ right to bear arms while protesting—a right the federal government must not infringe upon,” wrote the Gun Owners organization.
Essayli pushed back against the gun rights organization, accusing it of adding words to mischaracterize his statement.
“I never said it’s legally justified to shoot law-abiding concealed carriers. My comment addressed agitators approaching law enforcement with a gun and refusing to disarm. I come from a community where multiple LEOs have been killed by firearms in the line of duty. They put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe. The left is playing a very dangerous game by encouraging armed confrontations with police,” wrote Essayli. “My advice stands: If you value your life, do not aggressively approach law enforcement while armed. If they reasonably perceive a threat and you fail to immediately disarm, they are legally permitted to use deadly force.”
The Minnesota National Guard was activated by Gov. Tim Walz and is assisting local police amid growing protests. Guard troops are going to both the shooting site and to a federal building where officials have squared off with protesters daily.
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