Rev. Jim Rigby, pastor of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Austin and who has been described as a mentor to Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico, sparked controversy after remarks delivered during a Sunday sermon in the wake of a shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, Breitbart reports.
Addressing the incident, Rigby urged his congregation to reject violence, even in moments of political tension. He referenced the assassination attempt reported the night before and emphasized that violent actions cannot resolve deeper societal problems. Drawing a historical parallel, he argued that even the Civil War failed to eliminate racism, suggesting that force alone cannot bring about justice.
Rigby went further, claiming that elements of the modern MAGA movement reflect a desire to return to what he characterized as the values of the Confederacy rather than those of the United States. While calling the movement “fascistic,” he also cautioned against responding in kind, stressing that those seeking justice should not mirror the behavior they oppose.
“I said last week, if violence could have gotten rid of racism, the Civil War would have worked,” Rigby said. “But if you look at the Bible Belt and the heart of the MAGA movement, it is the Confederacy. The America they want to get back to is the Confederate States of America, not the United States of America. It’s very important that, even as we fight for justice, even as we protect each other from this fascistic movement, that we not do to them what they’re doing to the rest.”
The comments quickly drew criticism from Republican officials. Zach Kraft, a spokesman for the Republican National Committee, condemned Rigby’s remarks, accusing Democrats broadly of fostering political hostility and framing such rhetoric as part of a larger pattern. He argued that figures like Talarico have benefited from inflammatory discourse targeting conservatives.
“Absolutely disgusting stuff from James Talarico’s self-proclaimed mentor, but it is nothing new,” Kraft said. “Democrats have fanned the flames of radical left-wing violence for years and gleefully put targets on the back of President Trump, Charlie Kirk, and conservatives across America. To Talarico and Democrats, murder is simply the cost of doing business in their conquest for power.”
The backdrop to the sermon was a violent episode at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C., where the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner was underway. Authorities say a 31-year-old man, identified as Cole Tomas Allen, forced his way through security and opened fire, hitting a Secret Service agent in the chest. The agent survived due to a protective vest and was later reported in stable condition.
Investigators allege Allen authored a manifesto. President Donald Trump described him as “very troubled” and hostile toward Christians. Reports also indicated the suspect had previously donated to ActBlue, a Democratic fundraising platform, and attended an anti-Trump “No Kings” protest, according to the outlet.
Rigby’s church has built a reputation for progressive activism, opposing Texas’ ban on sex-change procedures for minors and having an LGBTQ flag displayed above the cross, according to Breitbart. The church has also been recognized for supporting abortion access and promoting gender-neutral language for God, rejecting traditional titles like “King” or “Lord” as patriarchal—views that have influenced Talarico, who has echoed similar beliefs.
The church argues that portraying God as male reinforces sexism and harmful social dynamics. Meanwhile, Rigby has faced scrutiny over past remarks, including a 2015 post questioning core Christian doctrines and a 2009 reference to “true jihad” at a pro-Palestinian rally.