SR 605: Pretti, Alex; condemn the killing of and protect the constitutional rights of peaceful assembly and right to keep and bear arms

This resolution does not change any Georgia law. Instead, it states the Georgia Senate's position on a January 2026 incident in Minneapolis in which United States Border Patrol agents killed Alex Pretti, a Minnesota resident who was lawfully carrying a handgun while participating in a protest against federal immigration policy. The resolution condemns Pretti's killing and condemns the killing of any American citizen when the stated justification is the lawful exercise of constitutional rights, such as peaceful assembly or gun ownership. It reaffirms Senate members' duty to uphold the U.S. and Georgia Constitutions, calls on elected officials of all parties to reject rhetoric equating protest or lawful firearm possession with terrorism, and commits members to working to protect assembly and gun rights from federal immigration enforcement agencies. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies to the public and press.

• Formally condemns the killing of Alex Pretti and condemns killing any American citizen when the justification is lawful exercise of constitutional rights.
• Reaffirms Senate members' sworn duty to uphold and defend the U.S. and Georgia Constitutions against threats foreign and domestic.
• Calls on all elected officials, regardless of party, to reject rhetoric equating peaceful protest or lawful firearm possession with criminality or terrorism.
• Commits Senate members to working together to protect rights of peaceful assembly and to keep and bear arms from encroachment by federal immigration enforcement agencies.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.

The resolution most directly concerns federal immigration enforcement agencies, elected officials nationwide, and Americans exercising rights to peaceful assembly and firearm possession. It does not create legal obligations for Georgia residents, agencies, or businesses since it is a statement of position rather than a law.

As a resolution, this does not change any statute or create enforceable rights or penalties. Its practical effect is to put the Georgia Senate's stance on record regarding federal use of force against a citizen exercising constitutional rights, which could shape political debate and future legislation.

• The first resolving clause condemns Alex Pretti's killing and condemns killing any citizen when lawful exercise of constitutional rights is the stated justification.
• The second resolving clause reaffirms members' duty to defend the U.S. and Georgia Constitutions against foreign and domestic threats.
• The third resolving clause urges all elected officials to reject rhetoric equating protest or lawful gun possession with terrorism.
• The fourth resolving clause commits members to protecting assembly and gun rights from federal immigration enforcement agencies.
• The final clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make copies available to the public and press.

1. 2026-01-28Senate Read and Referred (Senate)
2. 2026-01-27Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Josh McLaurin (D, SD-014)Primary sponsor
• Harold Jones (D, SD-022)
• Kim Jackson (D, SD-041)
• Derek Mallow (D, SD-002)
• Ed Harbison (D, SD-015)
• David Lucas (D, SD-026)
• Freddie Sims (D, SD-012)
• Sonya Halpern (D, SD-039)
• Jaha Howard (D, SD-035)
• Nikki Merritt (D, SD-009)
• Nabilah Islam Parkes (D, SD-007)
• Emanuel Jones (D, SD-010)
• Nan Orrock (D, SD-036)
• Sheikh Rahman (D, SD-005)
• Elena Parent (D, SD-044)
• RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-038)
• Sally Harrell (D, SD-040)
• Michael Rhett (D, SD-033)
• Kenya Wicks (D, SD-034)

• gun rights
• Second Amendment
• federal immigration enforcement
• free speech and protest
• Alex Pretti