Gun rights groups clash after man DHS says was armed fatally shot by CBP in Minneapolis

A man DHS says was armed fatally shot by Border Patrol agents sparked a gun rights debate between the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus and the NRA over carry rights.

So-called "armed community response" members patrol near the scene of a fatal shooting involving Border Patrol, Saturday, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Adam Gray)

ANTI-ICE AGITATOR ALLEGEDLY BITES OFF FEDERAL OFFICER'S FINGER DURING MINNEAPOLIS ATTACK

The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus quickly responded to the shooting, calling it "deeply concerning."

"According to local officials, the man was legally armed, a firearm was recovered at the scene, and he is believed to have been a lawful gun owner and permit to carry holder," the organization wrote in a statement. 

They added many critical facts remain unknown, as the shooting happened just hours earlier.

The National Rifle Association released a statement on social media blaming Democrat leaders in the blue state for "incit[ing] violence" against law enforcement officers. (Carlos Barria/Reuters)

NOEM SAYS MINNEAPOLIS SUSPECT COMMITTED ‘DOMESTIC TERRORISM,’ ACCUSES WALZ, FREY OF INCITING VIOLENCE

"For months, radical progressive politicians like [Minnesota Gov.] Tim Walz have incited violence against law enforcement officers who are simply trying to do their jobs," the NRA wrote in an X post. "Unsurprisingly, these calls to dangerously interject oneself into legitimate law-enforcement activities have ended in violence, tragically resulting in injuries and fatalities."

The NRA noted that as with any officer-involved shooting, there will be "a robust and comprehensive investigation that takes place to determine if the use of force was justified."

"As we await these facts and gain a clearer understanding, we urge the political voices to lower the temperature to ensure their constituents and law enforcement officers stay safe," NRA officials wrote.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

As the gun rights groups sounded off, so-called "armed community response" members in Minneapolis patrolled near the scene of the shooting Saturday night.

At least two people were spotted at the location wearing tactical vests and open-carrying weapons.

DHS is leading the investigation into the shooting, with assistance from the FBI.

Alexandra Koch is a Fox News Digital journalist who covers breaking news, with a focus on high-impact events that shape national conversation.

She has covered major national crises, including the L.A. wildfires, Potomac and Hudson River aviation disasters, Boulder terror attack, and Texas Hill Country floods.

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/gun-rights-groups-clash-after-man-dhs-says-armed-fatally-shot-cbp-minneapolis