1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I write with profound anger and disbelief over the federal killing of Alex Jeffrey Pretti by Immigration and Customs Enforcement/Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis. Mr. Pretti was a U.S. citizen, a lawful firearm permit holder, and an ICU nurse who was at a protest—not a battlefield. Video footage and eyewitness accounts raise deep doubts about the federal narrative that he presented a threat. Multiple sources report that he was not brandishing a weapon at the time he was killed and that he held only a phone. ([AP News][1]) The suggestion coming from Department of Justice officials and echoed by some members of Congress that citizens “shouldn’t be allowed to carry firearms at a protest” is an affront to the Constitution. Carrying a firearm lawfully in public—whether at a protest or in everyday life—is a **protected right** under the Second Amendment. ([https://www.wgem.com][2]) To imply otherwise in defense of federal agents who shot a citizen to death is not only legally baseless—it is dangerous and authoritarian. I demand that you act immediately on the following: 1. **Support and sponsor legislation** making clear that lawful firearm possession at peaceful demonstrations and public gatherings cannot be used as a pretext for lethal force by federal agents. 2. **Demand full transparency and independent investigations** into the killing of Alex Pretti, including release of all body-cam, aerial, and witness video; provide subpoena power if necessary. 3. **Pursue punitive and oversight measures** for federal law enforcement agents who unlawfully use deadly force against citizens, including revocation of qualified immunity where appropriate. 4. **Reject any DOJ or federal policy statements** that seek to diminish constitutional rights in the name of public order or federal prerogative. Failing to defend the Bill of Rights in this moment will signal to the country that constitutional protections are negotiable. I expect a written response outlining your position and the steps you will take to protect citizens’ rights and hold federal agents accountable.