When Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse and lawful concealed carry permit holder, was fatally shot by federal agents in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026, something unexpected happened across America’s progressive communities. Within days, left-of-center gun advocacy organizations reported enrollment numbers they’d never seen before. Classes that typically attracted five participants were suddenly filling with 25. Weekend training sessions sold out months in advance. And the people signing up looked different than the traditional gun owner stereotype—they were women, LGBTQ individuals, people of color, and self-identified liberals who’d spent years advocating for gun safety reforms.

The death of Alex Pretti didn’t just spark outrage about federal overreach. It fundamentally shifted how many on the left think about the Second Amendment and their own safety in an era of aggressive federal enforcement under President Donald Trump’s administration.

Key Takeaways

• Pink Pistols Twin Cities saw enrollment surge from 5 to 25 participants per class, adding seven additional courses to meet unprecedented demand from LGBTQ gun owners
• Firearms training classes at progressive organizations like L.A. Progressive Shooters are completely sold out through March 2026 across multiple regions
• Demographic shift shows women, LGBTQ individuals, and people of color now comprise the fastest-growing segment of new gun owners and training participants
• Alex Pretti’s death catalyzed a fundamental change in how liberals view armed self-defense, with advocacy groups reporting the shift happened “in the past couple of days”
• Trump administration statements restricting lawful gun carry during federal operations triggered backlash even from the traditionally pro-Trump NRA

The Minneapolis Incident That Changed Everything

Alex Pretti wasn’t a protestor or an agitator. He was an ICU nurse at a Veterans Medical Center who held a valid Minnesota concealed carry permit. On January 24, 2026, he was lawfully carrying his firearm when he encountered federal agents conducting immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis. What happened next has become a flashpoint in American gun rights debates.[1]

Federal agents fatally shot Pretti and disarmed him, despite his legal right to carry. The incident occurred against the backdrop of President Trump’s deployment of thousands of armed federal agents to cities nationwide as part of an aggressive immigration crackdown.[1]

Just two days after Pretti’s death, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that while Americans have a constitutional right to bear arms, they do not have the right to “impede lawful immigration enforcement operations.”[1] President Trump himself stated bluntly: “You can’t have guns. You can’t walk in with guns” regarding individuals carrying firearms at demonstrations—even though Pretti had every legal right to do so.[1]

FBI Director Kash Patel escalated the rhetoric further on Fox News, declaring that individuals “cannot bring a firearm loaded with multiple magazines to any sort of protest.”[1]

These statements sent shockwaves through gun rights communities across the political spectrum. Even the National Rifle Association, which has historically backed Trump, issued a rare critical statement asserting that “all law-abiding citizens have a right to keep and bear arms anywhere they have a legal right to be.”[1][4]

Progressive Gun Organizations Report Unprecedented Growth

The response from left-leaning gun advocacy organizations has been nothing short of extraordinary. These groups—often operating in the shadows of mainstream gun rights debates—suddenly found themselves overwhelmed with interest from communities that traditionally viewed gun ownership with skepticism.

Pink Pistols Sees 400% Enrollment Increase

Pink Pistols Twin Cities, an LGBTQ+-focused firearms training organization, experienced perhaps the most dramatic surge. Before Pretti’s death, their permit-to-carry courses averaged about five participants per class. Within days of the Minneapolis shooting, that number jumped to 25 people per session—a 400% increase.[1][3]

The organization scrambled to add seven additional courses to their schedule just to accommodate demand. Instructors who typically taught one weekend class per month found themselves booked solid, often conducting multiple sessions per week.

“We’ve never seen anything like this,” one Pink Pistols instructor told reporters. The waitlists extended weeks into the future, with some prospective students willing to drive hours from surrounding communities to attend the earliest available session.

L.A. Progressive Shooters Sold Out Through Spring

The surge wasn’t limited to Minneapolis. On the opposite coast, L.A. Progressive Shooters reported that their weekend firearms classes are completely sold out through March 2026.[3] This represents sustained, multi-month demand that shows no signs of slowing.

The organization typically offered beginner handgun safety courses twice monthly. They’ve now expanded to weekly sessions and added intermediate and advanced courses to accommodate students progressing through their training pipeline.

Liberal Gun Club: “This Changed Views on the Left”

Lara Smith, national spokesperson for the Liberal Gun Club, captured the moment’s significance with stark clarity: “In the past couple of days, there has been a shift. This changed views on the left.”[1][3]

Smith’s organization, which promotes gun rights from a progressive perspective, has tracked liberal attitudes toward firearms for years. She noted that the change following Pretti’s death represented something fundamentally different from previous upticks in interest—this was an ideological shift, not just a temporary reaction.

The Liberal Gun Club’s membership inquiries increased dramatically, with particular interest from people who’d never previously considered gun ownership. Many cited concerns about government overreach and the need to protect themselves and their communities as federal enforcement operations expanded.

A Better Way 2A Becomes Hub for Progressive Gun Networks

Jordan Levine, founder of A Better Way 2A—an inclusive gun community that emphasizes safety and responsible ownership—reported an influx of gun groups and instructors requesting to join the organization’s resource page in recent weeks.[3]

Among the groups seeking connection were:

• Ready Rainbow (Chicago) – LGBTQ firearms education
• Grassroots Defense (Iowa) – Rural progressive gun owners
• Solidarity Defense (Sacramento) – Community protection networks

This networking effect suggests the growth isn’t isolated to individual organizations but represents a broader movement-building moment among left-leaning gun advocates.

National African American Gun Association Sees Familiar Pattern

Philip Smith, founder and president of the National African American Gun Association, confirmed membership growth following both Trump’s second term inauguration and after Pretti’s killing. His assessment was direct: “People join when they’re scared” and “when certain people get in office.”[1][3]

Smith’s organization has long advocated for Second Amendment rights within Black communities, where historical experience with discriminatory enforcement and violence has created different perspectives on armed self-defense than those common in white liberal circles.

The current surge, Smith noted, reflected familiar patterns his organization has observed during previous periods of political tension and perceived threats to community safety.

Who’s Arming Themselves—And Why Now?

The demographic profile of new gun owners and training participants represents a significant departure from traditional stereotypes. Gun ownership in America has long been associated with conservative, predominantly white, male populations. That’s changing rapidly.

Women Leading the Charge

Women now represent one of the fastest-growing segments of new gun owners seeking training from progressive organizations. Firearms instructors report that their classes, which previously skewed 70-80% male, now frequently reach gender parity or even female majorities.

Many women cite concerns about personal safety in an increasingly volatile political climate. Others point to the Trump administration’s rollback of reproductive rights and other policies affecting women’s autonomy as motivating factors in their decision to arm themselves.

“I never thought I’d own a gun,” one Minneapolis woman told reporters after completing her permit-to-carry course. “But I also never thought I’d see federal agents shooting lawful gun owners in my city.”

LGBTQ Communities Embrace Armed Self-Defense

The surge in LGBTQ participation has been particularly pronounced. Organizations like Pink Pistols, founded specifically to serve LGBTQ gun owners, have seen exponential growth as community members express fears about rising anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and policies.

Transgender individuals, who face disproportionate rates of violence, have been especially active in seeking firearms training. Many cite the rollback of federal protections and increasing hostility in public spaces as driving their decisions.

“We’ve always said ‘armed gays don’t get bashed,'” one Pink Pistols member explained, referencing the organization’s longtime motto. “More people are taking that seriously now.”

People of Color Reclaiming Second Amendment Rights

Communities of color, particularly Black and Latino Americans, have historically had complicated relationships with gun ownership due to discriminatory enforcement, higher rates of gun violence in their neighborhoods, and targeted disarmament efforts throughout American history.

However, the current moment has prompted many to reconsider. The National African American Gun Association’s growth reflects Black Americans’ increasing interest in armed self-defense, particularly as federal immigration enforcement operations have sometimes impacted citizens and legal residents in communities of color.

Latino community members, facing the brunt of Trump’s immigration crackdown, have also sought firearms training—though often quietly, given the political sensitivities involved.

The Federal Enforcement Trigger

President Trump’s aggressive immigration enforcement operations have served as the immediate catalyst for this surge in progressive gun ownership. The deployment of thousands of armed federal agents to cities nationwide—often conducting raids in residential neighborhoods—has created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.[1]

Militarized Federal Operations in American Cities

The scale and militarization of current enforcement operations exceed anything seen in recent American history. Federal agents in tactical gear, often without clear identification, have conducted operations in communities across the country.

For many progressives who’ve spent years criticizing police militarization and federal overreach, these operations represent their worst fears realized. The irony of turning to gun ownership as a response to government power isn’t lost on them—but many feel they have few alternatives.

Constitutional Questions About Lawful Carry

The Trump administration’s statements about restricting lawful gun carry during federal operations have raised serious constitutional questions that unite gun rights advocates across the political spectrum.

The administration’s position appears to be that while the Second Amendment protects the right to bear arms generally, that right can be suspended in the vicinity of federal law enforcement operations. This interpretation has alarmed constitutional scholars and gun rights organizations alike.

The NRA’s rare criticism of the Trump administration highlighted the stakes: if federal agents can effectively nullify concealed carry permits by declaring areas “off-limits” to lawful gun owners, what remains of the Second Amendment?[1][4]

When Your Rights Depend on Who’s in Office

For many new progressive gun owners, the lesson is stark: rights that exist only when your preferred politicians are in power aren’t really rights at all.

This realization has prompted soul-searching among liberals who’ve traditionally supported gun control measures. If federal agents can kill a lawful gun owner with impunity, and if the administration can arbitrarily restrict where legal carry is permitted, perhaps the conservative warnings about government tyranny weren’t entirely paranoid after all.

The Ideological Shift: From Gun Control to Gun Rights

Perhaps the most significant aspect of this moment is the ideological transformation occurring within progressive circles. For decades, gun control has been a core progressive policy position. That consensus is fracturing.

Reconciling Progressive Values with Armed Self-Defense

Progressive gun owners face the challenge of reconciling their values—social justice, community protection, opposition to violence—with the decision to arm themselves. Many are finding that these values aren’t incompatible.

Organizations like the Liberal Gun Club and A Better Way 2A emphasize responsible ownership, community safety, and using firearms as tools of last resort for self-defense. They reject the aggressive, confrontational gun culture often associated with conservative gun rights movements.

This “third way” approach to gun rights—progressive in values but armed in practice—represents new territory in American political discourse.

The Limits of Relying on State Protection

Alex Pretti’s death crystallized a hard truth for many progressives: you cannot rely on the state to protect you, especially when the state itself may pose the threat.

This realization echoes arguments long made by marginalized communities, from Black Americans who armed themselves during the Civil Rights era to LGBTQ individuals who’ve faced police indifference or hostility when seeking protection from violence.

For white liberals accustomed to viewing police and federal agents as generally trustworthy, this represents a significant shift in worldview.

Building Community Defense Networks

Rather than embracing individualistic “good guy with a gun” narratives, many progressive gun owners are focusing on community defense—collective approaches to safety that emphasize mutual aid and protection.

Organizations like Solidarity Defense explicitly frame firearms training within broader community organizing efforts. The goal isn’t individual heroism but collective security in uncertain times.

What This Means for Gun Policy Debates

The surge in progressive gun ownership complicates American gun policy debates in ways that could reshape political coalitions and legislative possibilities.

Bipartisan Opposition to Federal Overreach

The NRA’s criticism of the Trump administration’s statements about restricting lawful carry represents a rare moment of potential bipartisan agreement on gun rights.[1][4] When both the NRA and the Liberal Gun Club are raising similar constitutional concerns, political alignments are shifting.

This could create opportunities for legislation protecting lawful carry rights that draws support across the political spectrum—though it remains to be seen whether such cooperation will materialize.

Gun Safety vs. Gun Rights: A False Binary?

Progressive gun owners increasingly reject the framing of gun safety and gun rights as opposing values. They support measures like universal background checks, safe storage requirements, and red flag laws while also asserting their right to own and carry firearms.

This nuanced position—supporting regulations while opposing bans—may represent a middle ground that’s been missing from American gun debates.

The Future of Democratic Gun Policy

The Democratic Party faces a potential reckoning with its gun control orthodoxy. If significant portions of the party’s base—particularly LGBTQ individuals, people of color, and women—are arming themselves, can the party maintain its current policy positions?

Some progressive politicians are already adjusting their rhetoric, emphasizing responsible ownership and constitutional rights alongside safety measures. Others remain committed to stricter gun control, creating internal party tensions.

Taking Action: Resources for Responsible Gun Ownership

For Mohawk Valley residents and upstate New York community members considering firearms ownership for the first time, responsible training and education are essential.

Local and Regional Training Options

While the national surge in progressive gun organization enrollment is concentrated in major metropolitan areas, upstate New York residents have options:

• New York State Pistol Permit Process: Research county-specific requirements for pistol permits in Oneida County and surrounding areas
• Certified Firearms Instructors: Seek NRA-certified or state-approved instructors who emphasize safety and responsible ownership
• Range Safety Courses: Many local shooting ranges offer beginner courses focused on safe handling and storage

National Organizations with Progressive Values

For those seeking community with other left-leaning gun owners:

• Liberal Gun Club: National organization with local chapters forming across the country
• National African American Gun Association: Focused on Black gun owners and Second Amendment education
• Pink Pistols: LGBTQ-focused firearms education and advocacy
• A Better Way 2A: Inclusive community emphasizing safety and responsibility

Legal Considerations in New York

New York maintains some of the strictest gun laws in the nation. Before purchasing or carrying firearms:

• ✅ Understand permit requirements: New York requires permits for handgun ownership
• ✅ Know carry restrictions: Concealed carry permits have specific limitations on where firearms can be carried
• ✅ Secure storage laws: New York has safe storage requirements, especially in homes with children
• ✅ Transportation rules: Specific regulations govern how firearms must be transported

Responsible Ownership Principles

Regardless of political perspective, responsible gun ownership requires:

1. Comprehensive training beyond minimum legal requirements
2. Secure storage to prevent unauthorized access
3. Regular practice to maintain proficiency
4. Legal knowledge of when use of force is justified
5. Mental health awareness and crisis resources

Conclusion: A Watershed Moment for Progressive Gun Rights

The killing of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis has catalyzed a transformation in how many progressives think about guns, rights, and safety. Several niche, left-of-center gun advocacy organizations report a sharp increase in interest and registrations for firearms training and permit-to-carry courses since federal agents killed the ICU nurse and lawful gun owner. Classes are filling up quickly, with some sold out for months, as women, LGBTQ individuals, and people of color—people who traditionally haven’t owned guns—seek to arm themselves in response to President Trump’s deployment of armed federal agents to communities nationwide.[1][3]

This isn’t a temporary spike. It represents a fundamental shift in progressive political consciousness—a recognition that rights must be exercised to be preserved, and that marginalized communities cannot always rely on state protection.

The implications extend far beyond gun policy. When progressives embrace armed self-defense, traditional political coalitions fracture. When the NRA criticizes a Republican president for restricting gun rights, ideological certainties dissolve. When federal agents kill a lawful gun owner and the administration defends their actions, constitutional questions demand answers regardless of partisan affiliation.

What You Can Do

For those considering gun ownership:

• Research New York’s pistol permit requirements for your county
• Seek comprehensive training from certified instructors
• Connect with organizations that share your values around responsible ownership
• Understand legal obligations and restrictions

For those concerned about federal overreach:

• Contact your congressional representatives about protecting lawful carry rights
• Support organizations advocating for constitutional protections
• Engage in local community organizing around civil liberties
• Stay informed about federal enforcement activities in your area

For everyone:

• Participate in informed civic dialogue about gun rights and safety
• Support policies that balance constitutional rights with community protection
• Hold elected officials accountable for protecting civil liberties
• Build community networks of mutual aid and support

The conversation about guns in America has fundamentally changed. Progressive voices are now part of the gun rights debate in ways that would have seemed impossible just months ago. How this transformation shapes American politics, policy, and communities remains to be seen—but the change is undeniable and likely irreversible.

The question isn’t whether progressives will continue arming themselves. The evidence suggests they will. The question is whether America’s political institutions and policy frameworks can adapt to this new reality in ways that protect both rights and safety.

References

[1] Liberal Gun Groups Minneapolis Shootings B2911839 – https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/liberal-gun-groups-minneapolis-shootings-b2911839.html

[2] Leftleaning Gun Groups See Surge In Membership Following Minneapolis Shooting And Federal Enforcement Actions – https://www.nbcpalmsprings.com/2026/02/01/leftleaning-gun-groups-see-surge-in-membership-following-minneapolis-shooting-and-federal-enforcement-actions

[3] Leftist Liberal Gun Groups Seeing 133923260 – https://www.aol.com/articles/leftist-liberal-gun-groups-seeing-133923260.html

[4] Minnesota Killing Produces Backlash Against Trump Administration From Second Amendment Advocates – https://www.the-journal.com/articles/minnesota-killing-produces-backlash-against-trump-administration-from-second-amendment-advocates/