The pro-gun case liberals don’t want to hear
Vox
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Tyler Austin Harper, a staff writer at *The Atlantic* and scholar with a unique perspective on culture and politics, recently made a provocative argument about gun rights in his piece titled "Minneapolis Should Be a Second Amendment Wake-Up Call." Harper, who identifies as a progressive but critiques both sides of the political aisle, argues that liberals should take gun rights more seriously if they genuinely believe in warnings about creeping authoritarianism. He uses the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, an unarmed legal gun carrier killed by ICE agents in Minneapolis, to illustrate how the Second Amendment is not just about individual rights but also about preventing government overreach.
Harper draws a connection between the incident and broader concerns about law enforcement behavior under the current administration. He highlights how ICE agents in Minneapolis displayed chaotic and unprofessional conduct, detaining individuals based on appearance and disregarding state-level gun laws. Pretti’s case, where he was shot 10 times after being disarmed and pepper-sprayed, serves as a stark example of what can happen when civilians exercise their right to carry. Harper emphasizes that the issue transcends partisanship and calls for liberals to reconsider their reflexive opposition to gun ownership, especially if they fear authoritarianism.
The piece also critiques the hypocrisy on both sides of the political spectrum. While conservatives may support gun rights in theory, they often distance themselves from armed protesters or those deemed politically incorrect. Meanwhile, liberals push for stricter gun control while sounding alarms about democracy’s decline—a contradiction Harper finds deeply problematic. He argues that the Second Amendment is not inherently conservative but has become associated with rural and working-class communities, who feel alienated by urban, progressive values.
Harper believes the incident in Minneapolis should serve as a wake-up call for liberals to engage more critically with gun rights. He suggests that direct experiences—like visiting a shooting range or understanding the practical aspects of gun ownership—could bridge the gap between abstract arguments and real-world concerns. Harper’s perspective adds nuance to the ongoing debate, urging both sides to recognize the complexities of gun culture and its role in safeguarding against government overreach.
Ultimately, Harper’s argument challenges readers to think about the broader implications of gun rights in a polarized political landscape. His critique of authoritarianism risks and the importance of civilian gun ownership offers a fresh perspective for those on all sides of the debate. By framing gun rights as a tool for preventing tyranny,
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Originally published on Vox on 2/20/2026