Firearm instructors in Minneapolis report a sharp increase in demand for permit-to-carry training as tensions rise following the deployment of federal immigration enforcement agents and recent fatal shootings of local residents.
At the Stock & Barrel Gun Club, CEO David Taylor said class sign-ups have quadrupled over the past two weeks, reflecting heightened fear and unease in the community. Similar trends were reported by five other instructors in the area.
“It’s very typical whenever there is a black swan incident,” Taylor said, noting that unexpected events often drive people to seek firearms training.
Minnesota law requires residents to complete certified firearm safety courses to obtain a permit allowing concealed carry. Private instructors report that most new participants cite concerns about ICE activity and general street violence as their motivation. Some have even inquired about hiring home security services.
The surge comes amid public outrage over the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, both fatally shot by federal agents during enforcement operations. Pretti, an intensive care nurse, was legally carrying a Sig Sauer P320-AXG Combat pistol at the time, though he did not have a government-issued ID or permit with him.
Local gun advocacy groups, including the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, emphasized that Pretti’s lack of ID constitutes only a minor infraction, not justification for lethal force.
Instructors say many new participants are individuals who previously had little interest in firearms but now feel compelled to act after witnessing escalating violence in the streets.
“People are saying this is no longer theoretical,” said instructor Erik Pakieser, who saw his class jump from six to 25 participants following Pretti’s death.
Observers note that such spikes in firearms training are not unprecedented, citing similar patterns after high-profile incidents like the George Floyd killing in 2020.
