FBI Director Kash Patel and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem both said peaceful protesters do not carry firearms with them.

"The View" hosts defend Second Amendment rights after years of criticizing gun ownership, marking a notable shift in their stance on firearms and government power following recent events.

The killing of the 37-year-old ICU nurse and licensed concealed-carry holder is pitting groups of members demanding investigations and constitutional accountability against others rushing to

"Carrying a firearm is not a death sentence, it's a Constitutionally protected God-given right," writes Rep. Thomas Massie (R–Ky.).

Trump allies are linking Alex Pretti's death by immigration officers to his packing a gun. Prominent 2nd Amendment figures are furious

The reactions appear to contradict decades of Republican messaging in Kansas and Missouri, where guns are both ubiquitous and fiercely defended.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday criticized Alex Pretti, the Minneapolis man fatally shot by a federal agent, for carrying a handgun and extra ammunition, remarks that risk deepening a rare rift with gun rights groups and other Republicans.

Pirro, the District of Columbia's top federal prosecutor, later clarified on X that she is a "proud" supporter of gun rights and is "focused on individuals who are unlawfully carrying guns."