Press Release: Rainbolt Condemns Federal Assaults on Liberty
by Ray Rainbolt Memorial Shooting Club
20 June 2026
Ray Rainbolt Memorial Shooting Club (RRMSC) unequivocally condemns the violent roundup and unjust indictment of Minnesotans for their actions demonstrating against the terror, abductions, and murders of Operation Metro Surge. The obscene violations of the First, Second, and Fourth Amendment rights of these brave organizers is the same behavior we’ve seen displayed throughout this occupation.
These everyday Americans follow a long tradition of resistance against authoritarianism—one that stretches back to Native societies, through the American revolution, the civil war, and World War Two. The accused represent the best in Minnesota, and should be lauded as working class heroes for walking in their forebears’ footsteps.
It’s no secret that the majority of those on trial are union organizers being targeted for their alleged actions on the day of “No work, no school, no shopping.” Fifteen people have been charged with conspiracy in this flimsy case so far, though at this standard of evidence the number of co-conspirators might be closer to 150,000. RRMSC was named several times in this indictment, and we would like to take this unearned opportunity to address all of good faith:
RRMSC is a labor- and LGBT-focused shooting club that welcomes people from all walks of life who believe in the natural rights of personal and community self-defense. We have stood for over ten years as a positive example of inclusive and safe firearms culture through events, trainings, sport shooting, and community engagement.
We are not a militia—it is the responsibility of all to be familiar with firearms handling in a country with more guns than people. We are everyday carpenters and electricians, educators and nurses, security guards and veterans, programmers and locksmiths, social workers and lawyers.
The knowledge of and access to self defense tools cannot be monopolized by a state that wants to remove marginalized communities from existence. Unlike the Department of Homeland Security, RRMSC has never been credibly accused of attacking other human beings.
The massive and violent raids on the homes of several of our LGBT members is blatant retaliation against union organizers and the queer community for exercising their Second Amendment rights. These attempts to disarm minorities by way of fear come straight through the memorandums of billionaire-class Epstein associates, and others must now hear this truth.
To adapt Billy Bragg:
We are witness to terror.
We are witness to tyranny.
We are witness to murder.
We are witness to fascism.
Featured image: “Portrait of Alex Pretti Defending His City” by Molly Crabapple
