Membership in progressive gun organizations has exploded following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026. Pretti, an ICU nurse and self-identified environmentalist, was killed during a confrontation with federal agents while attending a protest. The incident has quickly become a flashpoint for left-wing activists, many of whom are now turning to firearms training and Second Amendment rights as a form of personal and political empowerment.
Several left-leaning gun advocacy groups say they have seen an unprecedented surge in interest. Classes at organizations like L.A. Progressive Shooters are reportedly booked solid for months, while Pink Pistols Twin Cities has increased its permit-to-carry offerings after class sizes jumped from an average of five to more than 25. The group has added seven additional sessions, which are also filling rapidly.
Organizers say the surge isn’t just about fear—it’s about feeling prepared. Many attendees are new to firearms and driven by a sense of urgency in response to what they view as heavy-handed government action. The demand stretches beyond Minneapolis. Groups across the country focused on marginalized communities are also seeing a rise in membership, citing both safety concerns and ideological motivation.
Pretti, who legally owned a Sig Sauer AXG Combat handgun, was armed during the protest. Authorities say a confrontation occurred, though community members and left-wing advocates dispute the details. Just 11 days prior to his death, video surfaced showing Pretti confronting law enforcement, using strong language and physical gestures. Supporters argue the footage is being misrepresented and does not justify lethal force.
The aftermath of Pretti’s death has galvanized activists who were previously skeptical of gun ownership. Progressive gun instructors report that new members are seeking to reclaim the narrative around firearms, not just as tools of defense, but as symbols of resistance.
While the political left has traditionally been more cautious around gun rights, many see this moment as a turning point. For them, the right to bear arms is no longer just a conservative cause—it’s becoming a necessity.
