You know that tense line between Second Amendment advocacy and outright anti-government rhetoric that can split even conservative circles? That’s the firestorm ignited at Monday’s Second Amendment rally in Richmond, Virginia, where armed militiamen were asked about the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis and the Trump administration’s response. The Virginia Kekoas militia, decked out in “Boogaloo” attire for the first time since 2023—symbolizing armed domestic conflict—gave answers that have enraged some MAGA supporters for calling the shooting “unjustified” and labeling the administration’s stance “tyrannical.” The group’s leader, who goes by ICE (a movie reference, not the agency), and member Sasquatch didn’t hold back, framing the incident as a violation of core rights and a sign of escalating tyranny.
In the interview, Sasquatch explained the militia’s shift back to Boogaloo gear: “Things are a little bit more serious this year. This is our unofficial battle cry!” He clarified his pineapple Hawaiian shirt wasn’t a “swinger” symbol, emphasizing prepper roots since 2024 but signaling readiness for conflict. ICE added, “All the rights, for all the people, all the time. We’re just going back to our heritage, where we started.” Their full statement blasted the shooting: “I’ve been open carrying at rallies since 2019. There is zero difference between this man carrying his firearm at a protest than me or my boys carrying at a protest. The First and Second Amendments do not stop where politics and opinions differ. A person on the left has just as much right to carry and protest as any conservative. These GOD GIVEN rights are absolute. The killing of Alex Pretti was unjustified as the video clearly showed he was disarmed by the agent in the grey jacket. For this administration to say that carrying at a protest could justify murder is tyrannical. For them to outright LIE about events we have clear video evidence of is shameful. It is my opinion that people who wish to go to protests armed follow the pattern of how we did it in 2020. Stand firm do not be aggressive but be a hard target. Lastly I will say this we may differ politically however it is crucial we stand together here. We are now facing tyranny that will only worsen with time. We must be willing to stand together. RIP Alex Pretti.”
Their answers:
Video from the protest:
VIDEO THREAD: Armed gun rights activists rallied at the Virginia State Capitol on Monday to protest proposed gun measures under new Democratic Governor Abigail Spanberger.
The Virginia Kekoas militia wore “Boogaloo” style attire for the first time publicly since 2023.
“All the… pic.twitter.com/jvwoM20eeK
— Ford Fischer (@FordFischer) January 19, 2026
The rally itself was a show of force against proposed gun measures under new Democratic Governor Abigail Spanberger, with activists protesting in full gear at the Virginia State Capitol. But the Kekoas’ responses have split opinions, enraging some MAGA folks who see their criticism of the Trump administration as disloyal or extreme. Comments exploded: “These guys are not MAGA—they’re Boogaloo boys ready for civil war, not supporting Trump’s law and order.” Another blasted, “Calling the shooting unjustified when video shows Pretti drawing first? That’s anti-fed propaganda, not patriotism.” Some praised their 2A stance but questioned the Boogaloo shift: “Preppers are fine, but Boogaloo symbolizes armed conflict against the government—dangerous line when Trump’s fighting the deep state.”
This highlights the fracture in conservative ranks: while MAGA backs Trump’s crackdown on illegals and fraud, groups like Kekoas see federal actions as tyranny, even against armed suspects like Pretti, who pulled a gun during a deportation op. The left spins it as “right-wing extremism,” but the real outrage is from patriots who feel these militiamen undermine the administration’s efforts to restore order. The Boogaloo attire, once shunned, signals readiness for domestic conflict—a red flag for many.
The shooting itself remains contentious, with slowed-down video proving Pretti began drawing his firearm before agents took him down—self-defense, case closed. But the militia’s “unjustified” claim ignores that, fueling debates. In a time of riots and assaults on ICE, this rally’s armed display is a reminder of 2A’s power, but the answers enrage those who see unwavering support for Trump as key.
Patriots debate: are these militiamen allies or liabilities? The left laughs at the division, but unity against tyranny—real or perceived—is the fight.
**Opinion Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article, including interpretations of the militiamen’s statements and criticisms of their views, reflect a critical perspective and may not align with all readers. Facts are based on reported events and official statements; readers should form their own conclusions.**
