Jon Stewart Blasts MAGA Over Second Amendment Flip After Alex Pretti’s Killing

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Jon Stewart was back on television Monday, January 26th, commenting on a news week that felt surreal. Continuing his usual practice for these appearances, the comedian focused on the contradictions and issues surrounding the death of Alex Pretti.

The segment opened with Stewart focusing on Iran, a country with a strict government that’s currently experiencing widespread protests. He sarcastically asked, “Can you believe that’s happening?” before shifting to a more serious tone to discuss the problems unfolding in Minneapolis.

Jon Stewart strongly criticized claims made by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, who labeled 37-year-old ICU nurse Pretti as a domestic terrorist allegedly plotting to hurt federal agents. Stewart joked that he was hearing rumors of extensive video footage – similar to the Zapruder film of the Kennedy assassination – showing multiple angles that challenge the government’s account of what happened.

Video footage showed that Pretti was trying to help a woman who had been sprayed with pepper spray by officers just before he was shot. Although authorities claimed they acted in self-defense, video analysis indicated that the officers had already taken Pretti’s gun away before they shot him.

Comedian Jordan Klepper made a quick, humorous appearance from Minneapolis, poking fun at the changing reasons given by the administration. He used a visual gag, portraying ICE agents as cute kittens and the deceased nurse as the villain Doc Ock from Spider-Man, complete with mechanical arms.

Stewart made a pointed joke about Greg Bovino, a Border Patrol official who was apparently removed from his position shortly before the show began airing. “Where did this guy even come from? He’s only been on the show for one season,” Stewart quipped, playfully comparing Bovino to a recently introduced character in a movie franchise.

When asked about reports of federal agents feeling down due to public criticism, Stewart didn’t show much sympathy. He pointed out, with a touch of sarcasm, that being yelled at by angry people is pretty common for many customer service jobs in the US.

The comedian was especially annoyed by the administration’s shift in focus, now blaming the legally owned gun for the tragedy. “Are you seriously suggesting the guns are to blame?” Stewart asked sarcastically, a cartoon image of a flying pig appearing on screen to emphasize how ridiculous the idea was.

He highlighted the contradiction within the MAGA movement: they previously praised those involved in the January 6th riot and Kyle Rittenhouse as heroes, but now seem to think carrying a legal weapon was a bad idea. “Isn’t that the very core principle behind the ‘Don’t Tread on Me’ flag?” Stewart questioned, adding sarcastically, “You’ve completely undermined your own argument.”

Stewart ended the show with a serious point, stating that refusing to acknowledge what people have actually seen is the most dangerous thing a government can do. He explained that Pretti was dangerous because he used a high-definition camera – which Stewart jokingly called a “weapon of mass illumination” – to record events.

In addition to hosting his show on Comedy Central, Jon Stewart has signed a new deal with Paramount that will keep him on air through 2026. This means he’ll continue to offer his perspective during what is expected to be a challenging time in politics.

Beyond his work on late-night television, Stewart has received the 2025 Walter Cronkite Award for outstanding political journalism. He also continues to create content through his production company, Busboy Productions, with a focus on supporting veterans and those who responded to the 9/11 attacks.

People are also excited about Jon Stewart’s new stand-up special, which is planned to be filmed later this year. With his work as an activist and his popular weekly commentary, Stewart continues to be an important voice in national discussions.

Let us know what you think about Jon Stewart’s reaction to the shooting in Minneapolis and how the government has responded, by sharing your thoughts in the comments below.

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2026-01-27 13:14