00:00Videos from the scene show Alex Bretti holding his phone.
00:05But he's not seen, even during the scuffle of ICE agents, brandishing the 9mm Semi
00:10Automatic handgun, police say he was licensed to carry.
00:13He is a lawful gun owner.
00:15That hasn't stopped the Trump administration and law enforcement agencies under him.
00:20From portraying Bretti's firearm possession as a critical factor leading to his killing.
00:25The Department of Homeland Security posted this photo of a handgun presented as the
00:30one found on him.
00:31I don't know of any peaceful protester that shows up.
00:35With a gun and ammunition rather than a sign.
00:38This is a violent riot when you have some.
00:40Someone showing up with weapons.
00:42Many Republicans echoed that sentiment.
00:45Including this California federal prosecutor.
00:48If you approach law enforcement with a gun.
00:50There is a high likelihood they will be legally justified in shooting you.
00:54But gun rights.
00:55The lobbyists, typically Trump allies, beg to differ.
00:58The powerful NRA, the power of the NRA, the power of the NRA, the power of the NRA,
01:00reacting on X.
01:01This sentiment is dangerous and wrong.
01:04Responsible.
01:05Public voices should be awaiting a full investigation, not making generalizations and de-
01:10demonizing law-abiding citizens.
01:11Another gun rights group pointed to the second.
01:15amendment of the US Constitution, which they said protects Americans' right to bear arms
01:20while protesting, a right the federal government must not infringe upon.
01:25In 1993, nearly a third of Americans, like Alex Preti, said they owned a firearm.
01:30As the usual debate around guns sees a reversal of sorts, some Republicans are pressing
01:35for a deeper investigation into the shooting, a sign that the administration's accounting
01:40defense may face bipartisan scrutiny.
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