Amid national criticism of federal statements following the killing of Alex Pretti, California Governor Gavin Newsom and the National Rifle Association both challenged Trump administration rhetoric on firearms and law enforcement.
Gov. Gavin Newsom and the National Rifle Association (NRA) found rare common ground this week after President Donald Trump repeated claims that people “can’t walk with guns,” comments tied to the fatal shooting of a Minnesota nurse by federal officers.
The dispute followed remarks by First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, who told people who approach law enforcement while armed risk being legally shot. The NRA criticized the statement, saying public officials should wait for a full investigation and avoid blaming law-abiding gun owners.
Newsom said he agreed with the NRA’s response, calling the shooting of 37-year-old nurse Alex Pretti and similar incidents examples of eroding constitutional rights. Pretti was legally carrying a firearm at the time of his death, according to officials.
“I agree with the NRA on this,” Newsom said. “Nothing is sacred in Trump’s America; not the First Amendment, not the Second, not even life itself. We should all be outraged not only by the senseless deaths at the hands of federal officials but also by the erosion of our rights. We must act quickly to protect them and prevent any further tragic loss of life.”
