More on Pretti
A lot of info and opinion – mostly the latter going around about the shooting VA ICU nurse, Alex Pretti. Multiple videos exist of the event, and it seems the critical minute or so was covered from a couple of angles. One such second-to-second description is at ABC News.
Seems incontrovertible that up until Pretti was tear-gassed and taken down, he neither reached for nor touched his gun. Now, I know a lot of folks seem to think he was unwise to carry it at all near a potential confrontation. Hard to dispute that, but given how violent some of the protesters have been, you would think almost anyone with a license might have thought it appropriate, if not even prudent, to have some means of defense available. What is indisputable – and funny – how the antigun left is now defending his right to concealed carry, and how many supposedly progun rightists are twisting themselves into pretzels to somehow condemn it while supporting concealed carry in general (which probably means they want it for themselves but not really for anyone else.)
It would be wise to look at all the supposedly “pro-gun/pro-Constitution” figures like Kash Patel issuing statements like “yes you can carry, but not when your are protesting.” Just remember that if you take the Constitution seriously, you need to take ALL of it seriously. We complain that the ACLU seems to concentrate all their efforts on the 1st Amendment and ignore the 2nd – well, they shouldn’t be mutually exclusive to ANYONE, rightist assholes or leftist asswipes included. Interesting comments from a frequent subject here:
Kyle Rittenhouse has urged gun owners to “carry everywhere” in the wake of criticism from the Trump administration over the presence of a gun in the death of Alex Pretti in Minnesota.
“Carry everywhere,” the 23-year-old wrote on X. “It is your right,” he continued, adding the hashtag #ShallNotBeInfringed.
Texas Gun Rights, the state affiliate for the National Association for Gun Rights of which Rittenhouse was named outreach director in June 2024, shared a statement condemning the Trump administration’s attempts to rationalize Pretti’s murder by highlighting the gun he was carrying. Daily Beast
Note as well that Rittenhouse blames the whole situation on Biden’s open immigration policies, not the current administration.
Current theory based on multiple videos says that the agents around Pretti opened fire on him when one of them had a negligent discharge, thinking they were under attack. The most likely candidate for that ND honor is thought to be the agent who took Pretti’s gun – he was not observed with a drawn gun before the shooting but appeared to be holding a SiG P320 afterwards, the same model gun the Feds say Pretti was carrying. Sounds familiar? It should, several columns here at TAH covered it, the supposed self-discharged gun accused (fallaciously) of killing an Air Force TAH 1, TAH 2, TAH 3, TAH 4 airman last year. Ironic the same gun, supposedly cleared of going off spontaneously, is now accused of – going off spontaneously.
Either that, or the agent carrying it had a negligent discharge, starting the whole mess. Given the SiGs lack of a manual safety, this is a fairly likely scenario. HOWEVER, BE WARNED: there is a video around of the agent supposedly showing said discharge – well, there may be more than one but that’s all I have seen – that is clearly bogus. Shows the agent walking along, the muzzle flash etc. of the gun firing – but the slide doe not move at all and there is no recoil. Very obvious fake, and I suspect it will become ubiquitous. Be warned.
Me, I still think an open investigation is in order – again.
Category: "Your Tax Dollars At Work", Crime
“Can carry” and “it’s probably pretty stupid to carry in situations where I am intending to physically confront federal agents in a chaotic situation-especially when they broke one of my ribs last week when doing the same thing” are both true.
Did the guy deserve to get shot? Maybe not-we don’t know until we investigate. Did he choose to worsen conditions in which his own shooting was far more likely, even if by accident? Yes.
As long as the agents are judged only by what they knew in the moments leading up to the shooting, investigate away.
As soon as he interfered with law enforcement he became an armed criminal, and then he violently resisted arrest. Bad things can happen to armed criminals resisting arrest.
Any comparison to Rittenhouse is ludicrous.
Yep… play stupid games, win stupid prizes.
If the protests are “so peaceful” you need to be packing heat then you shouldn’t go. He didn’t bring that pistol to protect himself from “protestors”, be brough it as a tool of escalation.
He’s an adult that is responsible for his decisions…bad decisions. In other words…
Agreed.
Lets gove a “Toast” to the Darwin Award.
DARWIN AKHBAR!!!
Except it isn’t the same gun.
Here you go again with your adorable false equivalency stuff. It isn’t even the model (M18) with the safety which is located on all military models. It also has a number of modifications including (but limited to); trigger, barrel, grips, sights, possibly others as well. Hard to say what effect that on the gun.
Sig knew that some of the civilian models had factory defect and issued a recall years ago. I have no idea if this is one defective guns and would give it a very low probability of it being defective as this appears to be a case of the agent fumbling with the gun and setting it off; but it can’t be ruled out either. To say it is the same gun is clearly false.
Being prudent means not going to the protests or interfering with federal agents because you don’t like the law. So much for prudence.
Then they aren’t pro gun despite their protestations.
However; I will point out that he wasn’t carrying legally as he had no Minnesota ID or the permit which is required by law. This had zero effect on the encounter as it wasn’t known till after the shooting and federal agents have no authority to enforce Minnesota law in any case.
Since his work ID was prominently displayed on his jacket it does raise the question if he came directly from work? If so, he would have violated federal law by having the pistol on the grounds of a VA hospital.
I read an article yesterday where his mother stated he hadn’t been to work in several weeks. I’ll try to find it.
That is curious, if true. I wouldn’t walk around with my CAC on my jacket at a protest in any case. You are asking someone to grab it.
Found it. Lars would call this “a right wing propaganda site” but it’s always very accurate.
https://twitchy.com/samj/2026/01/27/and-as-usual-there-is-much-more-to-icu-nurse-alex-pettris-story-that-the-left-does-not-want-out-there-n2424405
Wow! Probably taking antidepressants and who knows what else. Sounds like he may have lost his nursing license if he wasn’t working for VA anymore. The ICU nurse story is ancient history in terms of successful Suicide by Cop shit show. No wonder the moonbats have martyred him. They were his cult.
The boy’s cheese done slipped off his cracker, I’d say.
Speaking of crackers, I have to go outside and feed the resident duck a bowl of milk and Quackers for breakfast…
Cannibalistic, is it?
He was still working at the VA Hospital. They confirmed that the other day.
https://www.govexec.com/workforce/2026/01/violent-death-one-our-own-va-employees-ask-more-their-agency-after-nurse-fatally-shot/410948/
They confirmed he was employed there, I saw nothing in there saying he was showing up. I’m sticking with mom’s statements.
I’d rather hear those statements directly from Mom than anywhere else. And Mom has no duty to explain anything, really.
The TDS is strong with them.
re the ‘false equivalency’ -the previous columns mention also that the CIVILIAN P320 also has been accused of having self-discharge issues. Purportedly even the FBI determined this to be true https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/fbi-sig-sauer-m18-p320-uncommanded-discharge/ . The 320 has been banned from many elite training centers like Gunsite as well. I’m certainly not an expert but if the folks at Gunsite, who ARE experts, won’t allow ’em, that sure sounds like a verified problem exists.
Oh, and thanks for calling me adorable – I don’t swing that way but gee, it’s nice to know I have fans…
But you don’t have to call me darlin’, darlin’, you never even called me by my name
David Allen Coe!
The perect country and western song! At least, after the last verse was added.
Experts, as so eloquently demonstrated during the COVID lockdowns, are far from infallible.
While I respect the hell out of the folks at Gunsite, I would never assume they’re knowledge is absolute or devoid of bias.
I have read he didn’t from from work, as his parents have stated he quit his VA job a month before the day he was she was shot. He is shown on those Signal chats to be a rapid response person for the protests.
Yes, the video of him peacefully kicking out a federal vehicle tail light with a pistol shoved in his waist band is out.
I have the right to walk around West Baltimore at 2:00 AM on a Fri. or Sat. night, armed or unarmed. I also have the right to insult anyone I meet while doing so. Prudence suggests I refrain from exercising those rights at that time and place.
Think of the EMT’s and paramedics who won’t get any trauma training if you don’t do those things, though.
I’d like to point out something here in your premise he was carrying because the “protests” are not peaceful but instead violent. You neglect one thing, he was part of the protest, not some neutral observer. A report was made yesterday that this is not the first time he was present and participated in one, receiving a broken rib allegedly. Although I didn’t see any indication he was in any kind of pain while resisting arrest in that scrum before the shots. As such he wasn’t carrying to protect himself FROM violent protestors. They are his buddies.
To me that puts a different view as to why he would show up armed to that one.
In any case a “prudent person” would not be at the protests knowing they tend to become violent. Even more, a “prudent CCW” person would know not to inject themselves into a situation that was almost certain to become violent if there is no need to do so like it is outside their place of employment or home.
Anyone notice that the pistol pictured as Pretti’s gun is NOT box stock? I saw after market grips, mag well and even more pertinent to a potential ND, an after market trigger. I have no doubt SIG is going to take cover behind the mods and blame them if the investigation shows the first shot was from that gun.
IIRC, I saw that same model online at Academy Sporting Goods about a month ago, it was kind of gawdy in appearance, the white handle and “pink-like” tone. It was also on sale or possibly being discontinued. The pistol just doesn’t look like something Sig would offer or that Sig purchasers would be interested in. Ah well, just my opinion. It seems to shoot well enough.
I wonder how many ICE rounds made contact compared with the number that were fired. Looks like some good shooting on, under pressure.
I am all for defensive carry, I’m very often armed. However… While Pretti absolutely had the first amendment right to carry, and the required permit to do so, I still have to ask who he thought he was going to defend himself from. Protestors? No, he was one of them. Had the broken rib from the last time he got into a kerfluffle with ICE last week. Did he think he was going to go full-on John Wayne with ICE? Yeah, that’s a good idea. Did he intend to go out in a blaze of glory, strike a blow for freedom by targeting ICE? It’s a possibility, but we’ll never know. All gun owners need to stop and think before they strap on that handgun. And if your daily errands include inserting yourself into a lawful ICE apprehension, it’s probably best that you leave your gun at home.
…had the
firstsecond amendment right to carry,…Fixed it for you. We knew what you meant.
Well, fuck. Many thanks for the correction. Maybe the right to keep and bear arms shoulda been the first amendment and it was wishful thinking on my part?
“And if your daily errands include inserting yourself into a lawful ICE apprehension, it’s probably best that you leave your
gunself at home. Kinda fixed it, SFC D.Greatly improved it. 🍻
“All gun owners need to stop and think before they strap on that handgun”
Amen.
And do not stop thinking as long as you are carrying.
I tend to agree with Johnny Cash–
“And His Mother Cried As He Walked Out;
Don’t Take Your Guns To Town, Son
Leave Your Guns At Home, Bill
Don’t Take Your Guns To Town.”
The U.S. has made very generous offers to return illegal aliens to wherever they came from and throw in some cash to boot. The smart ones took the money and ran. Others probably have not much to look forward to if they do return to their home country.
And then there is the case of the illegals who have assimilated into the system and constructed meaningful lives. I’ve know quite a few who worked hard, became prosperous, have families, homes, and are decent citizens short of that one thing. When there are extenuating circumstances, have the foreign countries provide a means for some of these folks to come into compliance.
There were some IRS cases a few years ago that sited thousands upon thousands of illegals using common addresses and filing returns seeking refundable tax credits. AFAIK, public policy was to just let it go.
For years, the IRS IG has repeatedly reported these fraudulent illegal alien returns claiming multiple child dependents for tax credits resulting in fraudulent refunds. One year, these frauds totaled $1.8 billion. An accountant reported to the IRS that he discovered he had over a dozen clients receiving multi-thousand dollar refunds for up to ten children each with the same two bedroom mobile home address. The government did nothing in response to his report.
Pray to whatever deity you prefer that no protesters follow Pretti’s example or listen to this asshat:
https://twitchy.com/justmindy/2026/01/27/abc-trevor-ault-more-protestors-will-bring-guns-n2424408
The left has been supporting another civil war for some time now. They have made several movies, including one called Civil War in 2024, with a who’s, who cast of liberals including; Alex Garland, Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura, Stephen McKinley. Moura is of course strongly pro illegal alien, McKinley was in the Black Panthers back in the day and Garland is an antifa supporter.
That’s what happens when children never grow up; they think getting involved in a gunfight is cool and they are immune to any negative consequences (not that they even know what those consequences may be).
Their only knowledge of a gunfight came from Hollywood.
Cosplay.
This…
It is unfortunate that Democrats have a long history of faking attacks or promoting attacks that were obviously fake in order to try to score political points. This however appears to be a legit one from a person with a mental illness.
Faking? Tell me you’re not deathly afraid of apple cider vinegar attacks!
How would I know? If some deranged man starts spraying me with something from a syringe, I very likely will interpret that as a deadly threat with tragic results.
Anyone else notice that Ilhan charged the guy that squirted her with the unknown liquid that could have been toxic.
Yeahhhh she didn’t look all that concerned that just maybe it could’ve been battery acid or other fun stuff. Ya think she mighta known it wasn’t toxic?
Nah, I think she is overly aggressive (some might also say obnoxious) and her aggressiveness and hostility overpower what little common sense she may have.
Toss in some baking soda with that vinegar, and things could get messy.
This is hilarious
Death becomes him.
David took the bait.
Heh.
The Disney movie version will have him as a lesbian tranny kickboxer, not that there is anything wrong with that.
In a wheelchair as a double-amputee of both legs.
If the ‘left’ wants a ‘civil war’, my retort would be: Bring it on porkchop”.
I am NOT calling for open war. I very much hope and pray the cooler heads prevail.
But, just in case, “lock and load 1 30 round magazine, take your weapon off safe and watch your lane”.
“Ready on the left? Ready on the right? Shooters…you may begin firing when your taaaaarget appears.”
A couple ICE agents have been placed on administrative leave.
Agents involved in Alex Pretti shooting moved to administrative leave | Fox News
It seems that would be standard procedure after guns go pew pew.
David, I hope you know that pic you posted of Pretti has been photo-shopped to handsome him up. ABC did it to make him look more attractive. They did the same by using a ten year old photo of Ms. Good, the lead lesbian than tried to run down the ICE officer.
My norm is to do a quick archive scan to se if we already have an photo (or meme), if not, a fast Duckduckgo search for images and choose one that fits. I’m not real picky. Knowing that this one has been jicked, however, sounds like a good reason to find another.
How about the fact that Pertti got a rib broken in another confrontation with LE the week before?
Circumstantial. Doesn’t mean he’s a violent protester.
OK, I had a hard time typing that without a gigglesnort.
You should see the video. Unfunny.
Aggressive threatening behavior towards federal agents is never funny. The last time he did it, he got killed.
“...last time…”
Heh.
I know. I have a sick sense of humor. I don’t feel like I’m the only one here with that affliction, though.
“sick”? I think the proper word for that these days is “neurodivergent”.
That sounds wayyyyy too serious.
Here ya go:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=kvIIM2AZgCA&feature=shared
Back when Keith Richards was a young man of 86. 🤣
Such a wholesome, clean cut lot!
I don’t see how he could have gotten hurt the week before. He was a peaceful observer.
https://twitter.com/Rightanglenews/status/2016618176843284738
On YouTube you can freeze frame it at 1:18 where see the pistol handle sticking out of his waist band ending ANOTHER BLUEANON LIE that he’s just a gentle soul out taking pictures. Yup, Pretti Boy Dead got what was was asking for in my opinion.
I believe the accepted terminology would be “mostly peaceful observer”.
Here’s a good breakdown, even CNN is reporting it which is interesting. This isn’t the first time he was interacting because he was coordinating with others on their chat programs.
Meanwhile, folk claim ICE left ‘Nam-style “death cards” after the caught people:
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/advocacy-group-claims-ace-spades-182248017.html
Bet good money this is false flag shit too… that being said, too bad.. they had a chance to either not come here illegally, or to gtfo when they got the offer.. they chose to illegally remain, and I don’t give a tinkers damn if they or other illegals feel ” intimidated…”.. in fact, I sincerely hope they do.
I call bullshit.
Bullshit well and duly called.
That isn’t the address or phone number for the ICE Field Office in Denver. It is the address and phone number for the detention facility in Aurora where the protestors live.
“Racist death card”? Why, because it’s the ace of spades? Right. Sometimes a spade is just a spade and a cigar is just a cigar.
This falls into the “never happened” box.
Why do they have to be Vietnam Death Cards? Why can’t they be Iraqi capture cards? The combat role in Iraq was just as long as Vietnam and more recent.
“Ace of Spades”? Great song by Motorhead:
https://youtu.be/3mbvWn1EY6g?si=iIZ5SG3TaTUyhqG6
Say, where’s Lars? I can “bear”-ly stand his stuff.
I just came across this video on you tube. It is a well reasoned examination of the Pretti situation and encompasses the dual “rights” arguments being made by folks about it. It’s worth the time to watch it.
He’s spot on.
Best commentary I have seen/heard so far.
Great points and agreed. I see the problem as “all one way, or the other!”
Neither side will to agree that there are problems with both sides.
iCE jacked this up! BUT, it was bound to happen when THEY ARE UNDER ATTACK EVERY DAMN DAY, and get ZERO help for the local government, from city to state!
No it looks like ICE Fd it up on this one, BUT, don’t you think that it was bound to happen and that was by design from the LEFT????
YMMV!
Of course it was going to happen. That is why Minneapolis and Minnesota are doing what they are doing, to cause exactly this.
I believe a famous dead white (red?) male once said “The worse, the better”.
It all adds up to the same thing, “Death By Stupid”
Trump: “For my next trick, I am going to make the Left defend the 2nd Amendment.”
Where is the meme generator?
I. Don’t go stupid places.
2. Don’t do stupid things.
3. Don’t hang around stupid people.
Mr. Pretti was 3 for 3.
Not the trifecta most people want.
One of the talking farm animals— I mean.. co-hosts of The View went on to say that Pretti is “the perfect man.”
Sooo… white? Did that just settle things? These people should wrap plastic bags around their heads and just call it a day already.