Minneapolis Rocked by Federal Agent Shooting of Lawful Gun Owner: Outcry Erupts!

MINNEAPOLIS, USA - The nation reels as a federal agent fatally shot a lawful gun owner in Minneapolis. This shocking incident occurred on Saturday, January 24, 2026. Bystander videos appear to contradict official statements, fueling public outrage. This tragedy immediately reignites the fierce debate over gun rights and law enforcement actions.

Minneapolis Shooting: A Deadly Confrontation

Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, was killed by a Border Patrol agent. Pretti was a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry. The incident unfolded amidst ongoing protests against federal immigration actions.

• Videos show Pretti filming agents with his phone.

• He stepped in after an agent pushed a woman protester.

• Agents then pepper-sprayed and wrestled Pretti to the ground.

• A gun was discovered, and agents opened fire.

Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated officers fired "defensive shots." She claimed Pretti "violently resisted" after approaching agents with a handgun. However, video evidence does not show Pretti holding a weapon before being disarmed.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara confirmed Pretti had a permit to carry. He also noted Pretti had no criminal record.

Outcry and Legal Challenges

Gun rights groups immediately condemned the shooting. The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus expressed deep concern. They highlighted every Minnesotan's right to bear arms, even during protests. The group called for a full, transparent investigation.

Professor Megan Walsh from the University of Minnesota Law School found the Trump administration's rhetoric "shocking." She noted their stance contradicts decades of opposing gun control. Walsh asserted, "We have a Constitution that provides a Second Amendment individual right, and it is unlawful to kill a man for exercising his constitutional rights.”

The Justice Department itself recently urged the Supreme Court to challenge a Hawaii gun law. This law bans guns on private property without explicit owner approval. This federal move to weaken gun regulations now clashes with the Minneapolis incident.

Canada's Controversial Gun Buyback Accelerates

Across the border, Canada pushes forward with its own gun control measures. On January 19, 2026, a federal compensation program launched. This targets owners of banned assault-style firearms. Over 2,500 models, including the AR-15, are prohibited.

• Nearly $250 million is allocated for compensation.

• Approximately 136,000 firearms are covered.

• Owners have until March 31, 2026, to declare interest.

• The amnesty period for these firearms ends October 30, 2026.

Secretary of State Nathalie Provost called the program "a significant step" against gun violence. She noted Canadians have demanded stricter gun control for over 35 years.

However, gun advocacy group PolySeSouvient warns of a major flaw. They fear owners could use compensation to buy new assault weapons. Firearm rights advocates also criticize the program. They label it a "poor use of taxpayer dollars."

UK Grapples with "Broken" Licensing System

The United Kingdom faces its own gun control challenges. The Gun Control Network (GCN) reports ongoing failures. They highlight a "broken gun licensing system." New analysis reveals a disturbing statistic:

• Over 60% of women killed by firearms in the UK in the last five years were shot by men with licensed guns.

The government has yet to respond to calls for radical reform. Proposals for tightening shotgun licensing are merely guidance, not law. This sparks calls for stronger, enshrined legislation.

A controversial statement also emerged from Reform UK. In July 2025, a Kent County Council leader suggested police should "shoot people if necessary." This reflects a growing global tension surrounding police use of force and gun ownership.

What's Next

The Minneapolis shooting demands immediate answers and a full investigation. This incident will undoubtedly fuel the already heated US gun debate. Expect more legal challenges and political fallout.

In Canada, the success and impact of the buyback program will be closely watched. Advocacy groups will continue to press for tighter regulations and address potential loopholes.

The UK's Gun Control Network will maintain pressure for legislative reform. They seek to overhaul the current gun licensing system. International discussions on gun control remain urgent and vital.