Senate · Introduced · 2025-2026 Regular Session

SR605: SR605 Pretti, Alex; condemn the killing of and protect the constitutional rights of peaceful assembly and right to keep and bear arms

Last action January 28, 2026 · Senate Read and Referred

A Georgia Senate resolution condemns the killing of Alex Pretti by federal border patrol agents during a Minneapolis protest and calls for protecting the constitutional rights of peaceful assembly and gun ownership.

In plain language

This Senate resolution responds to the killing of Alex Pretti, a Minnesota veterans hospital nurse, by United States Border Patrol agents during a January 24, 2026 protest in Minneapolis against federal immigration policy. Pretti was lawfully carrying a handgun under Minnesota law when he was killed, and the resolution states that no evidence shows he drew or attempted to take a firearm. The resolution formally condemns Pretti's killing and condemns the killing of any American citizen where the justification given is the lawful exercise of constitutional rights. It calls on Georgia senators to reaffirm their duty to defend the U.S. and Georgia constitutions, urges elected officials of all parties to reject rhetoric equating peaceful protest or lawful gun possession with terrorism, and commits members to working to protect assembly and gun rights from federal immigration enforcement overreach. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies publicly and to the press. As a resolution, it does not change any Georgia statute.

What the bill does

Formally condemns the killing of Alex Pretti and condemns killing any American citizen when the stated justification is lawful exercise of constitutional rights.
Has Senate members reaffirm their oath to defend the United States Constitution and the Georgia Constitution against foreign and domestic threats.
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 peaceful assembly and gun rights from encroachment by federal immigration enforcement agencies.
Directs the Secretary of the Senate to make copies of the resolution available to the public and the press.

Who it affects

The resolution directly names Alex Pretti, federal immigration and border patrol agents, and named federal officials including President Trump, Stephen Miller, and Secretary Kristi Noem. It also addresses Georgia's elected officials and, more broadly, Americans who engage in peaceful protest or lawfully carry firearms.

Why it matters

Because this is a resolution rather than a bill amending Georgia law, it creates no new legal rights or penalties. Its practical effect is a public statement from the Georgia Senate on federal use of force against a protester and a call for officials to avoid conflating lawful gun possession or protest with terrorism.

Key provisions

The whereas clauses recount the January 24, 2026 killing of Alex Pretti during a Minneapolis protest and assert he was lawfully carrying a handgun and did not draw or reach for a firearm.
The first resolving clause condemns Pretti's killing and condemns killing any citizen where lawful exercise of constitutional rights is cited as justification.
A further resolving clause has Senate members reaffirm their sworn duty to defend the U.S. and Georgia Constitutions.
A further resolving clause calls on elected officials of all parties to reject rhetoric equating protest or lawful gun possession with criminality or terrorism.
A further resolving clause commits members to protecting assembly and gun rights from federal immigration enforcement encroachment.
The final clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.

Status timeline

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

Topics

gun rights
police use of force
immigration enforcement
freedom of assembly
Second Amendment