1. United States
2. Utah
3. Letter

I am writing to demand immediate action regarding the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse in Minneapolis, by federal agents. This incident represents a dangerous erosion of constitutional rights that should concern every American regardless of political affiliation. Alex Pretti had a valid permit to carry a concealed weapon, as confirmed by the Minneapolis police chief. Video evidence clearly shows him holding a cell phone, not his gun, before officers wrestled him to the ground. Despite this, the Department of Homeland Security claimed he approached Border Patrol officers with a handgun and appeared to be attempting to "massacre law enforcement." The video evidence directly contradicts this narrative. The statements from federal officials following this shooting are deeply troubling. FBI Director Kash Patel claimed that no one who wants to be peaceful shows up at a protest with a loaded firearm, effectively arguing that exercising Second Amendment rights forfeits First Amendment protections. Los Angeles federal prosecutor Bill Essayli suggested there is a "high likelihood" that law enforcement would be legally justified in shooting someone who approaches them with a gun. This position is so extreme that even the National Rifle Association called it "dangerous and wrong." The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus correctly noted that there has been no evidence produced indicating Pretti intended to harm officers. Every American has the right to keep and bear arms, including while attending protests or exercising First Amendment rights. These constitutional protections do not disappear simply because someone is lawfully armed. I urge you to demand a full and transparent investigation into this shooting and to oppose any federal policies that treat lawful gun ownership as justification for deadly force. The federal government must respect both the First and Second Amendment rights of all Americans. This is not a partisan issue but a constitutional one that demands your immediate attention and action.