A. Rahman
In the wake of the fatal shooting of 37‑year‑old Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis, some gun rights activists who initially criticized President Donald Trump’s comments about guns are now returning to support him. The debate began when Trump and senior administration officials suggested that carrying a firearm at protests can be dangerous and implied that Pretti should not have been armed, even though he legally had a permit to carry. These remarks sparked backlash from Second Amendment advocates, including prominent voices within the gun rights community.
At first, this criticism from conservative gun supporters represented a rare public disagreement with Trump’s usual stance on firearms rights. Pretti’s death reignited an intense national discussion about how the administration treats law‑abiding gun owners and its broader enforcement approach. Video footage and eyewitness accounts contradicted early official statements, showing that Pretti was not threatening anyone with his weapon when he was shot, fueling frustration among activists.
However, several of these same activists are now shifting back toward backing the president. Many organizers and leaders in the gun rights movement recognize Trump’s longtime support for the Second Amendment and his broader track record on gun policy, which includes actions viewed as favorable to gun owners. Even critics who were vocal last week have acknowledged his administration’s past efforts to protect firearm rights and are refocusing on those achievements in light of the ongoing political debate.
This shift highlights the complex relationship between Trump and parts of his conservative base, especially when high‑profile incidents touch on deeply held beliefs about constitutional rights. For now, gun rights groups seem to be balancing their criticism of specific comments with broader loyalty to Trump’s overall policy direction.
