A high-ranking federal prosecutor in California is receiving backlash Saturday from gun rights groups like the NRA after his comments on the deadly shooting in Minneapolis Saturday.

In a post on X, U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli cautioned against approaching law enforcement with a firearm, arguing that there is a “high likelihood” officers would be legally justified in shooting.

The National Rifle Association condemned Essayli’s comments on the shooting.

“This sentiment from the First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California is dangerous and wrong,” wrote the NRA in a response to his comment on X. "Responsible public voices should be awaiting a full investigation, not making generalizations and demonizing law-abiding citizens.