San Antonio man who says he’s a member of the Boogaloo Boys arrested on weapons charge
A San Antonio man who describes himself as a member of the Boogaloo Bois, an extremist anti-government group, was arrested Wednesday on a gun charge, the Justice Department said in a news release.
Cameron Emerson Casey Rankin, 21, was taken into custody at his home, where FBI agents recovered a semi-automatic rifle while executing a search warrant. Rankin is now facing one count of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm as a result of previously being committed to a mental institution, the Justice Department said.
In March 2018, Rankin attempted to purchase two long guns from a San Antonio Academy Sports and Outdoors store but was denied due to being committed to the Southwest Mental Health Center for in-patient treatment in 2008, according to the criminal complaint.
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He was prohibited by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to carry any firearms.
His social media pages drew concern after individuals reported to authorities that Rankin was posting photos of himself with AK-type firearms in Boogaloo attire and making threats against various government agencies like the ATF, FBI and IRS, the Justice Department said.
He was among an armed group in downtown San Antonio on May 30 who said they were protecting the Alamo from damage during a George Floyd protest, the criminal complaint said. He later posted anti-police rhetoric on social media and encouraged individuals to burn down police precincts, the complaint continues.
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In August, Rankin flew from San Antonio to Manchester, New Hampshire, where he had checked a semiautomatic handgun with his luggage at the ticket counter. When he arrived in Manchester, ATF agents met Rankin and served him with a written notice that he is prohibited from possessing firearms as well as copies of his mental health record and seized the weapon and ammunition. Rankin threw away the notice letter and records before leaving the airport terminal, the complaint said.
If convicted, Rankin could face up to 10 years in prison. He is scheduled to appear in a San Antonio court next week.
Taylor Pettaway is a breaking news and general assignment reporter for MySA.com | [email protected] | @TaylorPettaway
