Turning Point USA Rebukes Lawyer After Deleted Charlie Kirk Post Amid ICE Shooting Investigation

Turning Point USA spokesman Andrew Kolvet on Thursday criticized the attorney representing a Venezuelan man who was shot by an ICE officer in Austin, Texas, after a deleted social-media post referencing conservative commentator Charlie Kirk drew public backlash.

What Happened

The man, identified as 28-year-old Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, was shot during an encounter with federal immigration officers. New surveillance footage released this week shows at least two marked federal vehicles with lights and sirens pursuing Garces Perez's car prior to the shooting; the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed the video's authenticity to Fox News Digital.

The Social Media Controversy

Attorney Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch faced criticism after a now-deleted social-media post resurfaced that referenced the assassination of Charlie Kirk. The post reportedly asked, "How do you resist getting shot in the neck? Does Charlie Kirk have any advice on that?" Lincoln-Goldfinch later said her office removed the item because it could be interpreted differently than intended and that the issue had been addressed internally.

Andrew Kolvet said: "We stand with our brave men and women of ICE who are defending American sovereignty and keeping American citizens safe." He added that it was "not surprising" the quality of lawyer attracted to a Venezuelan national with a final order of removal was what it was, calling them "a perfect match."

Conflicting Accounts

Lincoln-Goldfinch disputes the federal account of the encounter. She says Garces Perez was working as a DoorDash driver when an unmarked vehicle struck his car and that he did not initially know federal agents were pursuing him. She has also challenged DHS' description of his immigration status.

Attorney Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, left, faced criticism after a deleted post asked whether Charlie Kirk had "any advice" on resisting being shot in the neck.

DHS countered that Garces Perez is a Venezuelan national with a final order of removal, was the subject of a targeted vehicle stop, and that his work authorization had expired in 2025. The department also disputed claims about his treatment after the shooting and defended the actions of federal officers.

Evidence and Ongoing Investigations

Austin Police Department body-worn camera footage released Tuesday shows Austin officers arriving after the shooting and helping Garces Perez from his vehicle. Those recordings appear to contradict an earlier claim that federal agents pulled him from the car, although none of the videos capture the shooting itself.

Investigations are ongoing. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with assistance from the FBI, is leading the federal probe, and Austin authorities have reviewed evidence related to the encounter.

Legal Developments

Lincoln-Goldfinch's firm filed a federal lawsuit seeking to prevent Garces Perez's immediate removal. A judge ordered that he remain in the United States so he can appear at a Sept. 30 hearing while the legal and investigative processes continue.

Note: Reporting contributions were credited to Fox News' Louis Casiano and Brooke Taylor in the original coverage.