NRA Rebukes CA U.S. Attorney Over Comments On Border Patrol Shooting Of Activist

LOS ANGELES — A high-level federal prosecutor based in Los Angeles was the target of criticism from gun rights advocacy groups this weekend regarding his comments about Saturday’s fatal shooting of a protester who had a gun on his person in Minneapolis.

“If you approach law enforcement with a gun, there is a high likelihood they will be legally justified in shooting you,” First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli of the Central District of California wrote Saturday in a post on X. “Don’t do it!”

Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, was licensed to carry the 9mm semiautomatic handgun that he had on his person — but was not holding, videos of the incident showed — during the encounter that ended with him being shot by a Border Patrol agent, according to police.

The National Rifle Association called Essayli’s comments “dangerous and wrong.”

“Responsible public voices should be awaiting a full investigation, not making generalizations and demonizing law-abiding citizens,” the association posted on social media.

Gun Owners of America called for “a complete, transparent, and prompt investigation.”

“Furthermore, we condemn the untoward comments of @USAttyEssayli,” the group wrote in a post on X.

“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.”