A surge in interest in firearm permit classes is being reported in the Minneapolis area, coinciding with increased federal immigration enforcement and subsequent unrest. The Stock & Barrel Gun Club, with two locations near Minneapolis, typically sees “hundreds” of people sign up for these classes, according to CEO David Taylor. However, in the past two weeks, sign-ups have quadrupled.
Increased Demand Follows Federal Intervention
The heightened demand appears linked to the arrival of roughly 3,000 federal agents focused on immigration enforcement earlier this month. This deployment sparked clashes in the streets and, tragically, the deaths of two American citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Five firearm instructors in the region have confirmed the trend, attributing it to a growing sense of fear and unease.
R. Steven Rogers, a private security company owner who also offers firearm training, stated that most inquiries are from individuals “afraid of ICE,” referring to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He also noted an unusual increase in requests for home security services.
The Shooting of Alex Pretti and its Aftermath
The shooting death of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse, has further fueled the anxieties. Pretti was recording federal agents when he was sprayed with a chemical agent, pulled to the pavement, and ultimately shot by a Border Patrol agent at point-blank range, according to a Department of Homeland Security report. The report did not indicate Pretti had attacked officers or brandished a weapon.
Initial statements from officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, claiming Pretti brandished a gun, have been disputed. Bryan Strawser, chairman of the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, called such claims “factually inaccurate,” emphasizing that carrying a loaded firearm to a protest is not illegal in Minnesota. This contrasts with the case of Kyle Rittenhouse, who was found not guilty after fatally shooting two people at a protest in Wisconsin.
Pretti legally obtained the Sig Sauer P320-AXG Combat pistol used in the incident, according to John McConkey, president of The Modern Sportsman gun shop. However, federal officials noted Pretti was not carrying required identification or his permit at the time of the shooting, an infraction punishable by a $25 fine.
Erik Pakieser, a Minneapolis-based firearms instructor, reported his permit-to-carry class size quadrupled in the week following the shooting, with many new students historically opposed to gun ownership. This mirrors a similar surge in interest following the killing of George Floyd in 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the increase in firearm permit applications?
The increase is linked to the arrival of federal immigration enforcement agents in Minneapolis, resulting clashes in the streets, and the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
Is it legal to carry a loaded firearm to a protest in Minnesota?
According to Bryan Strawser, chairman of the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, it is not illegal to bring a loaded gun to a protest in Minnesota.
What type of firearm was Alex Pretti carrying?
Alex Pretti was carrying a Sig Sauer P320-AXG Combat pistol, which experts say is a more expensive and larger 9 mm pistol.
As the situation in Minneapolis remains volatile, it is possible that demand for firearm training and permits will continue to rise. The long-term effects of the increased federal presence and the resulting unrest on community trust and public safety remain uncertain.
