The National Rifle Association (NRA) took a stand on Tuesday in response to President Donald Trump’s comments about firearms at an anti-ICE protest where Alex Preti was killed. Trump and FBI Director Kash Patel claimed that bringing firearms to this week’s protests was not allowed, yet the NRA strongly supported Preti. At the time of his death, the nurse held a firearms permit and was armed.
In a post on X, the NRA stated, “We firmly believe that all law-abiding citizens have the right to keep and bear arms wherever it is legally permitted.” This came in light of the Trump administration’s focus on Preti’s firearm and spare magazine following the shooting incident.
Patel stated on Fox News, “You can’t bring a loaded firearm to any protest. It’s simple. You don’t have the right to break the law and incite violence.” Trump echoed this sentiment, telling reporters, “You can’t have a gun. You can’t come in with a gun.”
Adding to the controversy, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller labeled Preti a “domestic terrorist,” alleging he had aimed to attack federal law enforcement, referring to him as a “potential assassin.”
Other factions have spoken out as well; the American Gun Owners asserted their intention to “hold any administration accountable.” They emphasized, “Peaceful protest while armed is not radical. It’s an American thing. The First and Second Amendments protect those rights, and they always have.”
The two Customs and Border Protection agents involved in the confrontation with Preti have been placed on administrative leave as per standard procedure, which is not currently indicative of any wrongdoing.
