The Minneapolis Shooting That Sparked a National Shift (Image Credits: Unsplash)
A fatal encounter between federal agents and a legally armed citizen in Minneapolis has triggered a marked increase in firearm training enrollments from women, liberals, and other nontraditional groups across the United States.
The Minneapolis Shooting That Sparked a National Shift
Federal agents shot and killed Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse with a valid concealed carry permit, during a confrontation with protesters on January 24.[1][2]
Department of Homeland Security officials claimed Pretti brandished his weapon with intent to harm, though video footage challenged that account.[1]
President Donald Trump remarked that Pretti should not have carried a gun, a view echoed briefly by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro before she retracted it.[1]
This incident, alongside the killing of another Minneapolis resident Renee Good, heightened concerns over federal enforcement and constitutional protections.[1]
Immigration and Customs Enforcement had shot 13 individuals in operations since September, amplifying public unease.[1]
Trainers Overwhelmed by New Enrollees
Gun instructors nationwide reported unprecedented demand following the shooting, particularly from women and left-leaning individuals.
Jordan Siemering of Grassroots Defense in central Iowa described the uptick as stratospheric, noting interest from people unexpected to pursue firearms.[1]
In Los Angeles, Progressive Shooters founder Tom Nguyen saw weekend classes sell out through April within a week of the event.[1]
Northern Virginia trainer Becky Bieker observed more women clients voicing fears over the unstable national climate.
- Liberal Gun Club: Thousands of new requests, twofold to threefold increase from last year, heavy on women.
- A Girl & A Gun: Instructor-led training requests hit 52% in January, highest in six months; majority new participants aged 45-64.
- Pink Pistols Twin Cities: Class sizes jumped from five to 25 people.[2]
Key Figures Behind the Surge
| Trainer/Group | Location | Observation |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Gun Club (Lara Smith) | National | Unprecedented volume; shift toward exercising Second Amendment rights. |
| Grassroots Defense (Jordan Siemering) | Iowa | Big jump from women, queer people, people of color. |
| A Girl & A Gun (Robyn Sandoval) | National | Motivation shifted to building competence post-shooting. |
National spokesperson Lara Smith of the Liberal Gun Club highlighted a realization among newcomers: rights unused may be lost.[1]
She noted trainers were fully booked, unable to accommodate immediate needs.[1]
Awakening to Constitutional Realities
Executives from gun organizations linked the trend to government statements questioning armed citizens’ presence near enforcement actions.
Ed Gardner of the Liberal Gun Club warned that viewing gun possession as a death sentence undermines Second Amendment protections.[1]
The NRA’s John Commerford pointed to broader patterns, with 26.2 million first-time buyers from 2020 to 2025 spanning all demographics.[1]
This wave echoes post-2020 increases but appears more intense, driven by specific fears over federal overreach.
Key Takeaways
- Federal comments on Pretti’s gun prompted defensive training interest.
- Women and liberals now prioritize rights exercise over mere safety.
- Classes booked solid, signaling sustained demand.
Recent events underscore a pivotal moment for gun culture, as diverse Americans reevaluate self-defense amid political tensions. What steps might you take to protect your rights? Share in the comments.
