A spokesperson for Turning Point USA (TPUSA), Andrew Kolvet, issued a strong rebuke on Thursday against the attorney representing a Venezuelan man who was shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Austin, Texas. Kolvet characterized the pair as a "perfect match" following criticism directed at the lawyer for a deleted social media message that alluded to the potential assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
Controversial Social Media Post
Attorney Lincoln-Goldfinch faced scrutiny this week after a social media post, which has since been removed, resurfaced. The post made a reference to Kirk, questioning how one might avoid being shot. "How do you resist getting shot in the neck? Does Charlie Kirk have any advice on that?" the attorney's post read.
Addressing the controversy, Lincoln-Goldfinch stated, "A post referencing the death of Charlie Kirk was removed from our account. We recognized the post could be misconstrued, and that's why it came down. We have also addressed this issue internally."
TPUSA's Stance and Criticism
In his response, Kolvet firmly expressed support for federal agents. "We stand with our brave men and women of ICE who are defending American sovereignty and keeping American citizens safe," he asserted. He continued by questioning the quality of legal representation attracted by the individual involved in the shooting.
While everyone is entitled to their defense, it's not surprising the quality of lawyer an illegal alien from Venezuela attracts who had a final notice of deportation before leading law enforcement on a dangerous high-speed chase.
They seem a perfect match.
Disputed Details of the Shooting Incident
The dispute between TPUSA and the attorney unfolded as new details emerged regarding the ICE operation involving Graces Perez. Surveillance footage released on Wednesday showed at least two federal law enforcement vehicles actively pursuing Graces Perez's car, with emergency lights flashing and sirens audible, prior to the shooting event.
However, Lincoln-Goldfinch has challenged the federal government's version of events. She claims that Garces Perez was working as a DoorDash driver when an unmarked vehicle collided with his car, and he was initially unaware that federal agents were involved in the pursuit. She has also raised questions about the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) description of his immigration status.
DHS, in contrast, stated that Garces Perez is a Venezuelan national who had previously received a final order of removal and was the subject of a targeted vehicle stop. The department also indicated that his work authorization had expired in 2025 and disputed assertions made about his treatment following the shooting.
"No amount of smears and false narratives will slow down ICE from doing its job to arrest illegal aliens from our communities," DHS affirmed.
Separately, Austin police released body camera footage on Tuesday, depicting officers arriving immediately after the shooting and assisting Graces Perez out of his vehicle. This video footage contradicted an earlier claim that federal agents had forcibly removed him from the car, although the videos did not capture the shooting itself.
Legal Action and Ongoing Probes
The incident has also progressed into federal court. Lincoln-Goldfinch's law firm has filed a lawsuit seeking to prevent Garces Perez's immediate deportation. In response, a federal judge has ordered that he remain in the country to allow him to appear at a scheduled hearing on September 30.
The precise circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under active investigation. Homeland Security Investigations, supported by the FBI, is leading the federal inquiry, while Austin authorities are also reviewing evidence related to the encounter.
