Minneapolis, Minnesota, January 25, 2026
U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli’s remarks following the Minneapolis shooting of a lawful gun owner have sparked significant backlash from gun rights organizations. Alex Jeffrey Pretti, who was fatally shot by federal immigration officers while holding a phone, has led to protests and calls for investigation. Essayli’s statement regarding law enforcement’s potential justification for shooting individuals approaching with a gun was labeled as dangerous by the NRA, stirring debates about police conduct and gun rights in the nation.
Los Angeles, California
U.S. Attorney’s Remarks on Minneapolis Shooting Spark Backlash
U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli’s comments regarding a recent Minneapolis shooting have drawn significant criticism from gun rights organizations, including the National Rifle Association (NRA).
Details of the Incident
On January 24, 2026, federal immigration officers fatally shot Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse, in Minneapolis. Pretti was reportedly a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry. Eyewitness videos show him holding a phone, not a weapon, during the encounter. The incident has led to widespread protests and calls for investigation.
Essayli’s Statement and Subsequent Criticism
Following the shooting, Bill Essayli, the First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, posted on X (formerly Twitter): “If you approach law enforcement with a gun, there is a high likelihood they will be legally justified in shooting you.” This statement was met with immediate backlash from gun rights groups. The NRA condemned Essayli’s remarks, labeling them “dangerous and wrong,” and emphasized the importance of awaiting a full investigation before making such generalizations. The Gun Owners of America also criticized the statement, asserting that federal agents should not presume to be “legally justified” in shooting lawful concealed carry licensees. Essayli responded to the criticism, clarifying that his comment was directed at agitators approaching law enforcement with a gun and refusing to disarm, not at law-abiding citizens. He emphasized the risks of armed confrontations with police and advised against aggressively approaching law enforcement while armed. The Minnesota National Guard has been activated to assist local police amid growing protests, with troops deployed to both the shooting site and a federal building where officials have faced daily demonstrations.
Background Context
The shooting of Alex Jeffrey Pretti has intensified debates over law enforcement’s use of force and the rights of lawful gun owners. The incident has sparked protests in Minneapolis and drawn national attention to issues of police conduct and gun rights. The NRA’s response highlights ongoing tensions between gun rights advocates and law enforcement agencies, emphasizing the need for thorough investigations before drawing conclusions about such incidents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What were U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli’s comments regarding the Minneapolis shooting?
Bill Essayli stated that there is a high likelihood law enforcement will be legally justified in shooting if approached with a gun. This comment was made following the fatal shooting of Alex Jeffrey Pretti by federal immigration officers.
How did gun rights organizations respond to Essayli’s statement?
Gun rights organizations, including the National Rifle Association (NRA) and the Gun Owners of America, criticized Essayli’s remarks. The NRA emphasized the necessity of a thorough investigation before drawing general conclusions, while the Gun Owners of America condemned the presumption that federal agents would be legally justified in shooting lawful concealed carry licensees.
What is the current status of the investigation into the shooting?
The Minnesota National Guard has been activated to assist local police amid growing protests. Troops have been deployed to both the shooting site and a federal building where officials have faced daily demonstrations. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with authorities urging the public to await its conclusion before drawing definitive conclusions.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | January 24, 2026 |
| Location | Minneapolis, Minnesota |
| Victim | Alex Jeffrey Pretti, 37-year-old ICU nurse |
| Law Enforcement Involved | Federal immigration officers |
| Pretti’s Status | Lawful gun owner with a permit to carry |
| Essayli’s Statement | Commented on the likelihood of law enforcement being legally justified in shooting when approached with a gun |
| Reactions | NRA and Gun Owners of America criticized Essayli’s remarks; Essayli clarified his statement, emphasizing risks of armed confrontations with police |
| Current Actions | Minnesota National Guard activated to assist local police amid growing protests; investigation into the incident ongoing |
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