After Trump administration officials cited a shooting victim’s possession of a firearm to justify the use of lethal force, Second Amendment advocates in New Hampshire pushed back. As reported by NH Journal, House Majority Leader Jason Osborne challenged claims made by FBI Director Kash Patel and defended lawful carry by law-abiding citizens.
NH Journal reported how the controversy began.
After anti-ICE protester Alex Pretti was shot to death during a confrontation with federal agents on Saturday, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem cited the fact that Pretti was carrying a gun at the time to justify the use of lethal force.
NH Journal
Patel made his own assertion in a television interview, NH Journal reported.
“You cannot bring a firearm loaded with multiple magazines to any sort of protest that you want. It’s that simple. You don’t have the right to break the law and incite violence.”
NH Journal
Osborne responded on social media.
Someone teach me how to load my firearm with two full magazines,
Jason Osborne
According to NH Journal, Osborne added that lawful carry is routine in the Granite State.
“Also, teach Mr. Patel that peaceful law-abiding citizens carry their sidearms at protests and everywhere else every day.”
NH Journal
NH Journal reported how Osborne answered questions about the officials’ claims.
Asked about Trump administration officials’ claims that being armed while protesting invites law enforcement to use lethal force, Osborne responded via email with a quote from the U.S. Constitution: “… shall not be infringed.”
NH Journal
Read the full story at NH Journal.
