Minneapolis DHS Events
I do not know where to begin on this as an American, Veteran, Christian, and member of the human race, other than I'm mad and beyond disappointed. I'm sure everyone has read a similar variation on this topic.
The lack of empathy from American's top officials and the immediate blaming of the people shot is appalling as an American Citizen. Also, immediately without evidence calling citizens terrorists. If we are such a Christian nation, this admin can't stop reminding everyone verbally, why is politics put above human life and decency. If you are a Christian every human is an image bearer of God and should be treated with respect and dignity. And to find out this morning the DOJ said the DHS can be pulled out of Minnesota if voter role data is handed over. This is beyond sick if they just want capitulation. Two local citizens were killed, many have been injured, and all without any correction or pulling back to assess why the agents are not following our core constitutional laws under the 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 14th Amendments.
Just my view as a former Navy Airman (and first responder), Navy Seabee (Comms and Security), National Guardsman, and first responder at a few jobs. Alex Pretti appeared to be compliant and not a threat. He was moving back onto the sidewalk as the official pushed him back. He was filming with his phone and was not observed posing a threat or committing any violence against the officers at any point. At no time did his hands go near where is gun was holstered. The officer continued to spray Pretti with OC spray even as he turned away and Pretti appears to be more focused on protecting the woman he originally went to help up, despite being disoriented, effectively blinded and in extreme pain. (I have had training and been sprayed it is not something you can ignore or just work through) My biggest issue next is, Pretti's firearm was secured and removed from him by an agent before he was shot. Pretti is face down, hands mostly at shoulder level trying to keep his head from smashing into the ground. He was on the ground, disoriented, blind from the pepper spray, and completely unarmed when the fatal shots were fired. If I did this while in service or as a citizen I would be tried for murder.
A quick note. I've heard people saying all the whistles and yelling by bystanders and protesters makes the situation charged. This may be true, but all training I had in the service trained us hard under pressure and in hard circumstances to keep us, our team mates and others safe.
The local BCA in charge of investigating shooting and other crimes (in a third-party way) has been denied access to all evidence. Local authorities cannot even confirm the gun or if two magazines really existed. BTW, the number of magazines or existence of the gun does not matter under the 2nd Amendment as long as he was law abiding.
#minnesota_strong