Kash Patel drew criticism after saying that carrying a firearm at a protest was illegal following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. Minnesota gun-rights groups countered that permit holders may lawfully carry at rallies and called the shooting troubling. Officials say the FBI is retaining Pretti's handgun as evidence and no public evidence shows he fired the weapon. The exchange has intensified partisan debate over protest-carry rules and law enforcement responses.
Kash Patel Faces Backlash From Gun Rights Groups Over Comments About Carrying Firearms At Protests
Patel claimed that Alex Pretti's carrying of a gun was illegal despite holding a permit, and told Maria Bartiromo that the FBI currently had the weapon. / Fox News
Former Trump administration official Kash Patel drew criticism from gun rights advocates after suggesting that carrying firearms at protests is illegal in the wake of the fatal shooting of nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
Patel made the remarks during an appearance on Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo the day after the shooting, saying that Pretti, 37, "broke the law" by carrying a handgun during a confrontation with Border Patrol agents.
Pushback From Gun Rights Groups
Gun rights organizations were quick to dispute Patel’s characterization. The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus responded that Minnesota law does not bar permitted carriers from possessing firearms at protests or rallies.
"This is completely incorrect on Minnesota law. There is no prohibition on a permit holder carrying a firearm, loaded, with multiple magazines at a protest or rally in Minnesota," the group wrote.
The organization also issued a press release expressing that it was "deeply concerned" about the "fatal shooting" and emphasizing that the right to keep and bear arms applies to peaceable Minnesotans attending demonstrations.
Pretti was branded a 'domestic terrorist' by Kristi Noem, while Patel judged that 'no one who wants to be peaceful shows up at a protest with a firearm.' / US Department of Veterans Affairs
Evidence And Official Statements
Authorities have said the FBI is retaining Pretti’s handgun as evidence. Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara have indicated that Pretti held a conceal-carry permit.
No public evidence has emerged showing that Pretti attempted to fire or use the concealed handgun during the encounter. Nevertheless, some prominent conservative figures argued that bringing a loaded firearm into an area where federal agents were operating — and the presence of two full magazines, as reported by some commentators — raised safety concerns and influenced the agents’ response.
Polarized Reactions
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem characterized the incident in strong terms shortly after the shooting, calling it an act of "domestic terrorism" and asserting the individual arrived intending to inflict harm. Patel echoed those remarks on-air, saying, "no one who wants to be peaceful shows up at a protest with a firearm that is loaded with two full magazines."
Critics of Patel’s comments said his legal claim was incorrect and warned that inflammatory language can deepen partisan divides around protests, policing and gun rights. Supporters say questions about judgment and safety at scenes involving federal law enforcement remain legitimate.
The dispute underscores ongoing tensions over the intersection of gun rights, protest activity and how law enforcement responds at volatile scenes. Investigations into the incident and the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain active.
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