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The recent fatal shooting of a man by a Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis has reignited conversations around the Second Amendment and concealed carry regulations, but with an unexpected twist in political stances.
For many years, the Republican Party has championed the right to bear arms, with conservative lawmakers pushing forward legislation that promotes gun rights, including concealed carry, across all states. The individual shot in Minneapolis, Alex Pretti, was legally armed. However, senior officials from the Trump administration argue that he was not entitled to carry his weapon in this context.
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“Bringing a firearm loaded with multiple magazines to any protest is simply not permissible,” stated Director Kash Patel.
In contrast, former President Donald Trump had previously expressed support for Kyle Rittenhouse, who fatally shot two individuals during protests following a police-related shooting, on the grounds that they attempted to seize his weapon. Additionally, some participants in the January 6 Capitol riot were armed, and many Republicans rallied behind a Missouri couple who brandished guns at protesters post-George Floyd’s death.
“This is yet another example of hypocrisy emanating from the White House, as they scramble to justify these agents’ actions,” commented former Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin.
SEE ALSO | Alex Pretti, man fatally shot by federal agents, born in Chicago north suburb, officials confirm
Durkin says the hypocrisy surrounding the Minneapolis case will continue to fracture the Republican Party. While it took over 20 years to pass a restricted concealed carry law in Illinois, residents have a right to carry a loaded firearm to a protest. Minnesota shares the same rights.
“Mr. Pretti was not violating the law in terms of the Second Amendment. He had a protected right, and the law in Minnesota did not prohibit him from carrying a firearm,” said Rob Chadwick with the U.S. Concealed Carry Association.
But Chadwick, a former FBI agent, says the law gets dicey if the armed person inserts themselves in a law enforcement operation. USCCA and a growing number of Republicans are calling for a full investigation into Pretti’s death.
“When you take that step and get involved physically in a law enforcement action, it is incredibly dangerous and unintended consequences do happen,” Chadwick said.
Meanwhile, White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt says Trump absolutely supports the Second Amendment for law-abiding Americans, but not for people who impede immigration enforcement operations.
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