U.S. President Donald Trump gestures as he arrives in Des Moines, Iowa, U.S., January 27, 2026. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
(New York, New York) – President Donald Trump sparked backlash after commenting on the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, saying, “I don’t like that he had a gun.”
The remark drew criticism from gun-rights advocates, who argue it shifts attention away from the circumstances of the shooting and instead focuses on firearm possession, which they note may have been legal under Minnesota law.
Critics say the comment risks framing lawful gun ownership as inherently suspect, regardless of whether any laws were broken. Supporters of the Second Amendment responded by emphasizing that constitutional rights do not depend on personal approval.
Trump’s statement continues to circulate online, reigniting debate over gun rights, public safety, and whether leaders should clearly distinguish between criminal behavior and lawful firearm possession.
