The National Rifle Association (NRA) has joined other US gun lobby groups in calling for a full investigation by the Trump administration into the killing of Alex Pretti in Minnesota.
Comments from the NRA come after a border agent fatally shot Pretti - a registered nurse at a Veterans Affairs hospital - in Minneapolis on Saturday.
State and federal officials have given starkly different accounts. The Trump administration has stated that Pretti carried a gun and posed a danger to officers, yet there is no available video evidence showing Pretti with a firearm.
The NRA criticized a federal prosecutor's comment suggesting that individuals carrying guns risk being shot by police, labeling it as dangerous and wrong. The organization emphasized that responsible voices should await a full investigation instead of making generalizations that demonize law-abiding citizens.
The NRA's statement addressed the escalating rhetoric, urging political leaders to reduce tensions to ensure public and officer safety.
Essayli's comments have drawn criticism from multiple gun advocacy organizations and politicians, reinforcing the Second Amendment’s protection for individuals asserting their right to bear arms.
As scrutiny mounts, the details surrounding the shooting remain contentious, with bystanders capturing the events leading to Pretti's death and various conflicting narratives from officials. The Department for Homeland Security has claimed Pretti was a threat, which has been met with skepticism by local government leaders.
This incident marks a profound moment of conflict between gun rights advocates and the enforcement of federal immigration policies, highlighting ongoing tensions and the critical need for clarity in law enforcement interactions.
