Podcast Summary

Podcast: Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff
Episode: Rep Ilhan Omar Attacked. Who Shot Alex Pretti?
Date: January 28, 2026
Host: Paul Rieckhoff

Episode Overview

This solo episode of Independent Americans is hosted by Paul Rieckhoff, who dives into some of the week’s most urgent issues: the escalating violence and government overreach surrounding ICE raids, the high-profile killing of VA nurse Alex Preddy, and the concerning rise in political violence—including the recent attack on Rep. Ilhan Omar. Rieckhoff delivers impassioned, independent commentary on American democracy, national security, and public outrage, tying it all together with insights from veterans and prominent figures.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Dangerous Rise in Political Violence

(Starts at 02:01)

• Rep. Ilhan Omar was attacked during a town hall, sprayed with a substance (possibly vinegar). She recovered and even attempted to retaliate, making a strong public statement:

  “We are Minnesota strong, and we stay resilient in the face of whatever they might throw at us.”
  [02:17] – Rep. Ilhan Omar (as quoted by Rieckhoff)

• Rieckhoff underscores that threats and actual violence against elected officials are at “sky high” levels:
  • Capitol Hill Police estimated 14,000 threat assessment cases for 2025.
  • Recent attack against Rep. Frost at Sundance.
• He insists this is a “national security threat, not just a political issue,” stressing Congress' collective failure to provide a plan to protect elected leaders.

2. The Killing of Alex Preddy and ICE Accountability

(Begins ~ 04:18)

• Focus on ongoing fallout from Alex Preddy's death; Preddy, a VA nurse, was shot by ICE agents during a protest.
• Two agents involved have been put on administrative leave—information only now public.
• Rieckhoff repeatedly insists:

  "Do not believe the government. Believe your eyes and believe your ears."
  [01:04]

• Criticizes the obfuscation and lack of transparency—names of the agents not released; no body camera footage.
• ICE described as “reckless, unencumbered, unaccountable, and unconstitutional.”
• Audio and video evidence played of ICE misconduct:
  • Tear gas deployed outside a preschool in Minneapolis.
    • Protesters shout, “There are kids here. What the fuck are you doing?” [Approx. 08:30]
  • Threatening language from ICE agent to civilian:

    “You raise your voice, I erase your voice.”
    [09:42] – ICE agent in Minnesota, highlighted by Rieckhoff

  • Drive-by pepper spray incident in Phoenix—peaceful protesters maced from ICE vehicle.
    [10:30–11:00]

3. Escalation & Political Enabling of ICE

(11:45)

• ICE appears to be shifting deployments in response to public reaction—potential for new crackdowns in cities like Phoenix or Portland.
• Rieckhoff:

  “ICE is detaining citizens and shooting citizens and cops and veterans and kids. This is where we are, America. And I'm going to say it as often as I need to. If they can do it to Renée Goode ... to nurse Alex Preddy, they can do it to anyone—and they can do it to you.”
  [11:55]

• Argues ICE should be “defunded and disbanded.”
• Calls for veterans (a third of ICE agents are veterans) to step up and push back in peaceful, legal ways.

4. Alarming Support for Insurrection Act

(13:35)

• House Freedom Caucus now openly backing Trump’s potential invocation of the Insurrection Act, in writing:

  “Use all tools necessary, including the Insurrection Act … to maintain order in the face of unlawful obstructions and assemblages…”
  [12:54] – Rieckhoff, reading from the letter

• Rieckhoff:

  "Trump wants it, and now the House Freedom Caucus is openly backing him. One step closer to invoking the Insurrection Act. Wake up, America."
  [13:55]

• 11th Airborne Corps in Alaska is reportedly on standby for Minneapolis.

5. Deteriorating U.S. Alliances and Global Perception

(15:40–17:40)

• Rieckhoff discusses Trump’s apparent intent to extend autocratic influence into Cuba, and further not-so-subtle signals to international partners.
  • “Trump always telegraphs his punches. Believe him.”
• Example of damaged alliances: U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen removed honorary Danish flags for fallen soldiers, leading to public embarrassment and further strategic alienation.
• ICE presence at upcoming Italy Winter Olympics with controversial figures (J.D. Vance, Marco Rubio) has drawn European ire.

6. Continuing International Crises

(18:45–20:40)

• Iran: Washington Post exposes regime violence—dozens gunned down during protests in Rasht.
• Russia-Ukraine: 2 million casualties now officially reported; Rieckhoff reminds listeners to “keep focused on Ukraine.”

7. Sports and Resistance: Culture Responds

(23:04+)

• Leading athletes speak out against Preddy’s killing, including Steph Curry, Steve Kerr, Tyrese Haliburton, Karl Anthony Towns, the Knicks, and especially Victor Wembanyama.
• Victor Wembanyama’s quote on fear and injustice:

  “Every day I wake up and see the news and I'm horrified. I think it's crazy that some people might make it seem like or make it sound like it's acceptable, like the murder of civilians is acceptable...”
  [24:05] – Victor Wembanyama
  “Is that kind of a big factor in this, that people have that fear that if they speak openly about an injustice, there can be repercussions? Oh, for sure. I mean, it's terrible. You know, I know, I know. I'm a foreigner. You know, I live in this country. I am concerned, for sure.”
  [24:40] – Victor Wembanyama

• Rieckhoff hails the courage of these athletes:

  "I want to celebrate Wemby, of course, as a player, but more importantly as an activist in the spirit of Muhammad Ali and Kareem Abdul Jabbar and so many others."
  [25:12]

8. Notable Quick Hits

(21:39–22:59)

• Bill Belichick denied first-ballot Hall of Fame status despite unparalleled record.
• Jesse Ventura and Rachel Maddow are upcoming guests for “Football Friday.”
• Call to action: Share the podcast and independent movement, especially with young men—a demographic targeted by extremist groups and in need of alternative role models.

Memorable Quotes

• “Don't believe the government. Believe your eyes and believe your ears.” – Paul Rieckhoff [01:04]
• “ICE is detaining citizens and shooting citizens and cops and veterans and kids. This is where we are...” – Paul Rieckhoff [11:55]
• “You raise your voice, I erase your voice.” – ICE agent, cited by Rieckhoff [09:42]
• “If they can do it to Renée Goode ... to nurse Alex Preddy, they can do it to anyone—and they can do it to you.” – Paul Rieckhoff [11:55]
• “Trump wants it, and now the House Freedom Caucus is openly backing him. One step closer to invoking the Insurrection Act. Wake up, America.” – Paul Rieckhoff [13:55]
• “Every day I wake up and see the news and I'm horrified. I think it's crazy that some people might make it seem like or make it sound like it's acceptable, like the murder of civilians is acceptable.” – Victor Wembanyama [24:05]

Important Timestamps

• 01:00–02:01 – Setting the stage: overview of current storms (literal and political) and Rieckhoff's “five I's.”
• 02:01–04:18 – Ilhan Omar’s attack; American political violence overview.
• 04:18–12:00 – Alex Preddy case; ICE's lack of accountability, audio/video examples of ICE misconduct.
• 11:45–13:35 – ICE expansion and political maneuvering.
• 13:35–16:03 – Insurrection Act, military standby, House Freedom Caucus letter.
• 16:03–18:45 – International relations: Cuba, US-UK and NATO alliances, European outrage.
• 18:45–20:40 – Iran crackdown, Ukraine war casualties.
• 23:04–26:00 – Athlete activism, Victor Wembanyama interview.
• 26:00–28:00 – Looking ahead: guest announcements, call to join/support the movement.

Tone & Style

Rieckhoff’s delivery is urgent, passionate, independent, and occasionally raw, mixing policy critique with direct appeals:
“If you’re not angry, you’re not paying attention.”
He uses plain, forceful language and invites listeners from across the political spectrum to join a constructive, alternative community.

Conclusion

This episode is a powerful, wide-ranging critique and call to action on some of America’s most pressing dangers—rising political violence, unchecked federal force, eroding democratic norms, and the struggle for accountable government—as well as a celebration of brave voices in and out of the spotlight. Rieckhoff closes with a challenge to the audience: mobilize, stay informed, and support the independent movement in these unstable times.