Gunfire Erupts During Border Patrol Confrontation Over Unarmed Man

The death of Alex Pretti, a 40-year-old man killed by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents on Saturday, has raised questions about the use of force and the Second Amendment in the United States. According to footage analyzed by Bellingcat, Pretti was unarmed when he was shot by CBP agents. The New York Times reported that Pretti was holding a phone at the time, not a gun as initially claimed by Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Despite being on his knees and unarmed, Pretti received multiple gunshot wounds from armed Border Patrol agents. The incident has sparked debate over the use of force in law enforcement and the impact it can have on individuals’ rights under the Second Amendment. The Second Amendment guarantees citizens the right to bear arms, with some states allowing open carry with a permit, such as Minnesota. However, the fact that Pretti was killed despite being unarmed raises concerns about the need for de-escalation tactics in high-pressure situations. The CBP agency has not released an official statement on the incident, fueling speculation and criticism from advocates who argue that the use of force must be subject to rigorous review to ensure it is justified and proportionate to the threat posed.