By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Following the shooting death of Alex Pretti by federal immigration officials, the NRA and other gun advocacy groups are calling for a full investigation. This comes after a social media post by Bill Essayli, appointed by Trump, which was perceived as suggesting a justification for the shooting. The NRA and other groups, including the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, have publicly criticized the sentiment that Pretti’s mere possession of a firearm near law enforcement justified the use of force, citing his right to bear arms. This incident has sparked a debate on the Second Amendment rights, especially as it pertains to lawful gun owners at protests.
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The NRA and pro-gun groups calling for a “full investigation” into the killing of Alex Pretti, as if it’s the most surprising development in the world. It’s hard to ignore the general sentiment that this entire situation is a mess. It seems everyone has an opinion, and frankly, a lot of people are just plain tired of it all. There’s a general sense that the NRA, in particular, is playing a game of political survival, trying to navigate a tricky situation without alienating anyone too drastically.
The immediate reaction to the NRA’s call for an investigation is a mixture of skepticism and outright cynicism. People are saying, in essence, “Here we go again.” There is the impression that the NRA is late to the party, and potentially trying to maintain some semblance of relevancy. The fact that the NRA is even making this call is apparently more a reflection of how precarious the situation has become for the current administration, than any genuine concern for justice.
The fact that Alex Pretti was killed, allegedly by ICE, while exercising his Second Amendment rights has caused consternation across the political landscape, including pro-gun circles. The NRA’s response, though, feels like a calculated move to avoid further damage to their image, but their history creates a lack of trust. It is interesting though, since the administration seemingly made up lies about Pretti to justify the killing.
The discussion frequently turns to the NRA’s past actions and perceived biases. They are known for supporting conservative causes and candidates. There’s a strong feeling that the NRA is ultimately just an extension of the GOP. Those who are critical question whether the NRA is genuinely concerned about Pretti’s rights, or if they’re just trying to avoid appearing to align with the “wrong” side of the political spectrum. Many people see this as a “saving face” moment, a desperate attempt to maintain their relevance.
The narrative also contains very critical reactions to the NRA’s actions and policies over the years. Some people are calling for the NRA to be broken up. The NRA is blamed for contributing to a culture of gun violence and a lack of regulation. People are pointing out that the NRA hasn’t lived up to its ideals for a long time. People feel that the NRA is only concerned when it happens to someone “like them.”
The question of what a “full investigation” actually means is being asked. It is assumed that it will be conducted by the Trump administration, and the same people that are being accused of obstructing the investigation. The skepticism around the investigation is rampant, with many predicting it will be a whitewash, a cover-up designed to protect those involved. Many people do not trust the integrity of the investigation, expecting the final outcome to be whatever the administration wants.
The general sentiment is that a true investigation would be difficult, particularly given the obstruction already reported. Questions are raised about why authorities were stopped from accessing the crime scene and how this can possibly lead to a fair outcome. There’s a strong feeling that the NRA’s involvement is more about self-preservation than anything else.
Ultimately, the NRA’s call for an investigation is seen by many as performative. It’s a move made out of necessity. It’s a damage control strategy in a deeply divided political environment. The NRA is being forced to confront its own contradictions. The hope for the NRA to do the right thing is being overshadowed by cynicism.