A member of the Boogaloo Bois accused of attacking the Minneapolis Police Department’s Third Precinct during George Floyd protests in late May has been charged with participating in a riot, and was taken into police custody on Wednesday, Oct. 21.
Ivan Hunter, 26, allegedly fired 13 shots at the police building, after traveling from his home in Texas to meet up with other members of the group.
A criminal complaint filed in San Antonio claims that Hunter made the cross-state trip with the intent of participating in the riot, and alleges he is a member of the Boogaloo Bois. Hunter also has identified himself as a member of the group.
The Boogaloo Bois is characterized as a militant, far-right anti-government group that believes an impending civil war will result from acts of terror, according to the FBI.
Authorities said video footage taken during the protests on May 27 and 28 shows Hunter firing the rounds at the building while looters were inside, and that he helped set the precinct aflame. He was wearing a skull mask and tactical gear.
“Justice for Floyd!” he yelled, giving someone a high-five after shooting into the building.
Hunter is not the only member of the Boogaloo Bois to face arrest on federal charges in connection with the Minneapolis protests. Michael Solomon and Benjamin Teeter have been charged with conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.
The three men acted in coordination with one another on the night of the precinct shooting.
“I helped the community burn down that police station in Minneapolis,” Hunter wrote on Facebook after the chaotic night. “I didn’t’ protest peacefully Dude … Want something to change? Start risking felonies for what is good.”
On June 3, Hunter was a passenger in a truck pulled over by authorities while leaving a George Floyd protest in Austin, Texas. He told officers he was the leader of the Boogaloo Bois in South Texas, but denied that any of the weapons in the car were his, including the assault rifle affixed to a tactical vest he was wearing at the time.
Federal agents discovered days later that Hunter was affiliated with Boogaloo Bois member Steven Carrillo, who faces charges of killing two law enforcement officers in California in May and June.
“Go for police buildings,” Hunter texted Carrillo after the precinct was set on fire.
“I did better lol,” Carrillo replied, hours after he had killed the officer. Five days later he killed a sheriff’s deputy. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges he faces.
Hunter, who has described himself as a “terrorist” made his first court appearance on Thursday.
