Republican Discontent Grows After Federal Officer-Involved Shooting in Minneapolis

Wed Feb 04 2026 07:00:21 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A recent shooting incident in Minneapolis involving a federal officer has sparked backlash among Republican leaders and gun rights advocates, leading to a reevaluation of the administration's stance on the Second Amendment. Calls for investigation and a defense of gun rights emerge as midterm elections approach.

The shooting of Alex Pretti by a federal officer has resulted in significant backlash from prominent Republicans and gun rights groups, challenging the administration’s narrative that Pretti was responsible for his death due to his lawful weapon possession. As the incident unfolds, it raises questions about the GOP's stance on gun rights ahead of the crucial midterm elections, with calls for thorough investigations and newfound criticisms towards the administration's handling of the Second Amendment.

Prominent Republicans and gun rights advocates have pushed back against the Biden administration following the recent shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. Initially characterized by officials as a case of self-responsibility due to Pretti's lawful possession of a weapon, the incident has sparked calls for a comprehensive investigation.

Despite no immediate shifts in U.S. gun politics, the narrative surrounding Pretti's death is stirring discord within Trump’s coalition, particularly as the midterm elections loom. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt emphasized the President's support for Second Amendment rights but warned against the risks associated with bearing arms in confrontations with law enforcement.

Contradictions and Backlash

Officials' early statements, which included claims that Pretti had displayed violent intent, have been challenged by bystander videos. These clips reportedly show Pretti aiding a pepper-sprayed woman and did not corroborate claims of him brandishing a weapon, raising questions about the authenticity of the initial narrative.

Support from gun rights organizations like the National Rifle Association, which initially pointed fingers at Democratic protesters, quickly turned to criticism of federal commentary suggesting that approaching police with firearms could justify lethal force. This internal conflict among conservatives reflects changing dynamics about gun rights in the wake of the Minneapolis incident.

Political Consequences

The fallout from this shooting incident may complicate the Republican approach as they seek to maintain their fragile majority in Congress. With various gun rights initiatives already stalling, leaders are hesitant to take a definitive position on how the situation will influence ongoing discussions in the political sphere.

In a period characterized by heightened scrutiny over gun politics, the contrasting rhetoric surrounding Pretti highlights the complex intersection of freedom, violence, and government authority, revealing potential fractures within the Republican narrative leading into the elections.