Up in Arms: Comments by Los Angeles Federal Prosecutor over ICE Shooting in Minnesota Leave Gun Owners Furious
There’s a lot of discussion surrounding the death of 37-year old Alex Jeffrey Pretti in Minneapolis, who was killed by ICE agents for reportedly approaching them with a firearm. But the biggest question is surrounding justification with his death, especially with so many videos making the rounds. Gun Owners of America Spokesman, Stephen Willeford, takes issue with the expressed view of a U.S. Attorney in California, in response to the shooting.
This latest development reveals a debate within a debate, a new angle in an already polarized debate. The second amendment is inherently polarizing and a Los Angeles federal prosecutor just added fuel to the fire.
Click here to order Stephen Willeford’s book, A Town Called Sutherland Springs
Los Angeles federal prosecutor Bill Essayli unnecessarily found the need to stir the pot, stating that Pretti’s death was justified because he was armed.” On X, he noted, “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!”
This is a horribly misleading statement when it comes to those that practice Open Carry. Literally half of the United States allow U.S. citizens to carry firearms with permits, and they aren’t handed out casually – the permits are earned through careful training. A statement like this suggests it’s open season for anyone that carries a firearm.
There was even a community note posted on X shortly thereafter, stating “the U.S. Constitution (particularly the 2nd, 4th and 14th amendments) prohibit officers from shooting citizens merely for possessing a weapon that is not an ‘imminent threat.’” It also makes it clear that Pretti was holding a cell phone at the time, and not a firearm.
The Gun Owners of America, a group that proudly supports the right for everyone to bear arms, also spoke on the matter. “We condemn the untoward comments of @USAttyEssayli,” they noted in a statement. “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.”
Joining us to discuss this further is Stephen Willeford, the 2017 “hero with a gun” who serves as spokesman for the group. We welcome him to the show.
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Q&A:
- Do you believe the Los Angeles U.S. Attorney’s comments on Pretti’s shooting misrepresent the legal and constitutional rights of armed citizens?
- How does the Pretti incident highlight potential misunderstandings about Open Carry laws across different states?
- What message do statements like “if you approach law enforcement with a gun, they will likely shoot you” send to law-abiding permit holders?
- In your view, how does federal law interact with Second Amendment protections during protests or confrontations with ICE?
- Why is it important for Americans to understand the distinction between lawful armed citizens and imminent threats to law enforcement?
- How can law enforcement and federal agencies better navigate situations involving armed citizens to avoid unnecessary escalation?
- What role does Gun Owners of America play in defending citizens’ rights in incidents like Pretti’s?
- Based on your experience, what should policymakers and the public take away from this incident regarding firearms, civil liberties, and federal accountability?
ABOUT STEPHEN WILLEFORD…
Stephen represents Gun Owners of America and is known around the country as the “good guy with the gun” for helping stop the largest Texas mass shooting in the history of the state in 2017. He is available to speak about all gun rights issues, as well as the importance of Gun Owners of America. He is the author of the book A Town Called Sutherland Springs: Faith and Heroism Through Tragedy. You can read more about him at http://www.thebarefootdefender.com and www.gunowners.org
CONTACT: Todd Baumann at 512-966-0983 or by email Jerry McGlothlin at bookings@specialguests.com.
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