The Forge of Freedom

Show Notes

Episode 209. Old Glory Bank: Fighting Debanking and Building Financial Freedom

What happens when banks, payment processors, and financial institutions begin deciding which lawful businesses and customers are acceptable?

Recorded at the NRA Annual Meetings in Houston, Alex Ooley sits down with Eric Ohlhausen, co-founder of Old Glory Bank, to discuss debanking, financial privacy, and the importance of preserving access to the financial system for lawful individuals and businesses.

Eric explains that Old Glory Bank was created in response to growing concerns about cancel culture, political discrimination, and financial institutions refusing service to customers connected with firearms, conservative causes, law enforcement, and other lawful but controversial industries.

The conversation also explores how Old Glory Bank combines traditional FDIC-insured banking with digital-first technology, nationwide service, merchant-payment options, and planned integrations involving cryptocurrency, stablecoins, and blockchain-based banking.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Old Glory Bank’s mission to protect liberty and support the Second Amendment

02:26 - The social and political backdrop leading to the creation of Old Glory Bank

03:39 - The founders and prominent patriots supporting Old Glory Bank, including Ben Carson and Sean Spicer

05:23 - Why banking is essential for exercising rights like free speech and firearm ownership

06:20 - The risks of deplatforming and de-banking, with real stories of account closures

08:12 - How Old Glory Bank is a regulated, FDIC-insured alternative with national reach

09:57 - Rapid growth of accounts and technological innovation in digital banking

11:09 - The friction and challenges of moving banking relationships and how Old Glory Bank simplifies switching

12:24 - Handling cash deposits through Old Glory Cash In locations

13:54 - The bank’s support for non-traditional transactions and cash-first customers

15:07 - Protecting privacy from big banks’ data sharing and invasive tracking

16:30 - The bank’s stance on privacy, second amendment rights, and the fight against government overreach

17:17 - The Old Glory Protect program offering death benefits to military and first responders

18:33 - The upcoming integration of crypto, stablecoins, and blockchain banking in next-gen technology

19:17 - The full potential of stablecoins as digital cash, lawfully backed and privacy-preserving

21:10 - Customer service, ease of account opening, and the competitive edge of Old Glory Bank’s technology

23:02 - Facilitating merchant services and the rollout of Old Glory Pay for censorship-resistant transactions

25:10 - Special NRA partnership offering fee discounts to members and upcoming plans to go public

26:33 - Final thoughts on supporting financial liberty and the importance of principled banking

Old Glory Bank:https://oldglorybank.com

• Old Glory Bank

• Next Generation Banking Demo Video

• Old Glory Cash In Locations

• Old Glory Protect Program

• NRA Business Alliance

Until next time, remember: You are the Forge of Freedom.

This episode is provided for general informational purposes. References to banking products, cryptocurrency, stablecoins, securities, or other financial services should not be understood as financial or investment advice. Product availability, benefits, fees, eligibility requirements, and regulatory status may change. Review the applicable terms and conduct your own due diligence.

DISCLAIMER:  This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals they may mention. The hosts and guests are not liable for any damages that may result from someone listening to this podcast.

Show Notes

Episode 208. Doctors for Responsible Gun Ownership: Dr. John Edeen on Medical Bias, Suppressors, and Defending the 2A

In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, recorded live at the NRA Annual Meeting in Houston, Alex Ooley sits down with Dr. John Edeen — a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, Navy veteran, firearms instructor, and Membership Director of Doctors for Responsible Gun Ownership (DRGO).

Dr. Edeen shares his journey from the Navy and medical missions to becoming a leading voice countering anti-gun bias in the medical community. The conversation covers DRGO’s mission to combat flawed research, the science of suppressors and hearing protection, how to handle gun-related questions from doctors, the flaws in treating “gun violence” as a public health issue, and the critical importance of defensive gun uses.

Guest Bio:

Dr. John Edeen is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon based in San Antonio, Texas. A Columbia University-trained physician and Navy veteran (including service on the USS Peleliu and a deployment to Somalia), he is also a Range Master, NRA, and Massad Ayoob Group firearms instructor. He serves as Membership Director for Doctors for Responsible Gun Ownership (DRGO), part of the Second Amendment Foundation, where he advocates for evidence-based policy and fights medical community bias against the Second Amendment.

Timestamps

• 00:00 – Introduction and welcome at the NRA Annual Meeting

• 00:58 – Recording from Voices of the Second Amendment media row

• 01:25 – Dr. Edeen’s background: Columbia, Navy service, pediatric orthopedics, international medical missions

• 03:21 – How Dr. Edeen got into firearms and the Second Amendment

• 04:28 – Meeting Mark Walters, Massad Ayoob, and entering gun rights advocacy

• 06:50 – Joining Doctors for Responsible Gun Ownership (DRGO) and its origins with Tim Wheeler

• 10:07 – DRGO’s mission: Countering bias in medical literature

• 11:33 – Website resources (drgo.us), articles, and advocacy

• 12:37 – Suppressors, hearing protection science, and the ENT position paper

• 16:20 – Deep dive into ear anatomy, cochlea, hair cells, and noise-induced damage (with visuals)

• 19:23 – Decibel science and why suppressors + ear pro matter

• 22:11 – What to do when your doctor asks about gun ownership

• 28:42 – Strategies for patients: Questions to ask, boundary violations, and medical board complaints

• 32:45 – Addressing child safety, rapid-access safes, and defensive utility of firearms

• 34:47 – Public health vs. individual rights, “gun violence” myths, and defensive gun uses (2.4 million estimate)

• 37:10 – How to join DRGO, benefits, and 2ADoc.com

• 42:20 – Hospital active shooter risks, gun-free zones, and closing thoughts

Key Resources & Links

• Doctors for Responsible Gun Ownership Website: drgo.us 

• Find a 2A-Friendly Doctor 2ADoc.com

• Suppressor / Hearing Protection Paper (mentioned 2017 ENT/neuro-otologist paper) – Available in DRGO archives

• https://drgo.us/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/DRGO-HPA-White-Paper-03-27-17.pdf

• Join DRGO – $35 membership (open to doctors, nurses, EMTs, lawyers, and general supporters)

• https://drgo.us/join-drgo/

Forge of Freedom Links

• YouTube | Rumble | Facebook | X | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | All major platforms

• Website: forgeoffreedom.com

Call to Action

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share to help spread the message of freedom. Leave a review on your favorite platform — it really helps!

Stay vigilant, train hard, and remember: You are the Forge of Freedom.

DISCLAIMER:  This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals they may mention. The hosts and guests are not liable for any damages that may result from someone listening to this podcast.

Show Notes

Episode 207. Inside the NRA with John Richardson:  Reform, Transparency, and the Future of the NRA

In Episode 207 of The Forge of Freedom, Alex Ooley is joined by John Richardson, NRA Board of Directors member and author of the No Lawyers, Only Guns and Money blog, for an inside look at the current state of the NRA, the reform movement, and what has changed since Richardson joined the board.

John discusses his first year on the NRA Board, why he ran, how he was elected by both petition and nomination, and why member-driven reform matters. The conversation covers NRA 2.0, transparency, fiduciary duties, board governance, the impact of the New York litigation, the role of the audit committee, budget discipline, membership challenges, and the future of the organization.

John also shares updates from the NRA Annual Meeting in Houston, including member involvement, proposed bylaw changes, conflict-of-interest reforms, and efforts to bring younger voices and broader expertise into NRA leadership.

00:00 Introduction to the NRA Board Experience

02:57 Running for the NRA Board: A Personal Journey

06:03 The Importance of Transparency in the NRA

08:58 Understanding the Role of an NRA Board Member

12:07 The Dynamics of Board Collaboration

14:52 Reflections on the Reform Movement

17:43 Impact of New Leadership on the NRA

20:59 Lingering Effects of Litigation and Governance Changes

24:01 Recent Developments at the NRA Annual Meeting

26:28 Significant Resolutions and Conflict of Interest

29:40 Committee Enhancements and Member Involvement

32:35 Board Meeting Expectations and Bylaw Changes

35:37 NRA's Financial Health and Future Outlook

38:23 Collaborative Legal Efforts and Membership Engagement

41:13 Conclusion and Future Aspirations

• No Lawyers, Only Guns and Money — John Richardson’s blog covering Second Amendment issues, NRA governance, and internal NRA reform efforts.

• https://onlygunsandmoney.com/

• NRA Member Portal — NRA members can log in to access governance materials, including bylaws, Form 990s, board minutes, and compliance information.

• https://www.nramemberservices.org/

• NRA Annual Compliance Report — Discussed in the episode as a useful resource for members interested in transparency, spending controls, travel policies, and internal governance.

• https://onlygunsandmoney.com/?p=36152

• NRA App — Mentioned by John as a resource for members to access NRA publications, member benefits, discounts, and other membership-related information.

• https://www.nrapublications.org/nra-mobile-app/

• Second Amendment Foundation, NSSF, Gun Owners of America, Firearms Policy Coalition, and American Suppressor Association — Organizations discussed in connection with collaborative Second Amendment litigation and legislative efforts.

• https://www.nssf.org/

• https://saf.org/

• https://www.firearmspolicy.org/

• https://www.gunowners.org/

• https://americansuppressorassociation.com/

NRA, NRA 2.0, John Richardson, Forge of Freedom, Alex Ooley, Second Amendment, gun rights, NRA Board, NRA reform, Only Guns and Money, NRA Annual Meeting, firearms, gun politics, nonprofit governance, NRA transparency, NRA lawsuit, New York Attorney General, Second Amendment litigation, NRA membership

DISCLAIMER:  This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals they may mention. The hosts and guests are not liable for any damages that may result from someone listening to this podcast.

ChaptersResourcesKeywords

Show Notes

Episode 206. Second Amendment vs. Federal Drug User Gun Ban: Stephen Halbrook Breaks It Down

Constitutional scholar and Second Amendment expert, Stephen Halbrook, joins Alex Ooley for an in-depth discussion on a major pending Supreme Court case involving the federal ban on firearm possession by unlawful users of controlled substances—particularly marijuana users. They break down the United States v. Hemani case, historical analogues under Bruen, as-applied vs. facial challenges, and what this means for gun rights moving forward. The conversation also covers other key Second Amendment issues percolating in the courts, including public carry restrictions and “assault weapon”/magazine bans.

Guest 

Stephen Halbrook – Renowned Second Amendment attorney, historian, and author. 

Key Topics & Timestamps

00:21 – Introduction and welcome back

01:26 – Overview of the federal statute (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3)) prohibiting “unlawful users” of controlled substances from possessing firearms

04:03 – Details of the US v. Hemani case: marijuana user, as-applied challenge, government’s attempt to muddy the waters

05:23 – New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen framework: text, history, and tradition test

06:53 – Government’s historical analogues (intoxication, dangerousness) and why they may fall short

07:01 – “Is an unlawful user” – present tense vs. past use; vagueness concerns

08:34 – Comparison to United States v. Rahimi (domestic violence restraining orders)

11:07 – Facial vs. as-applied challenges explained with Rahimi example

12:58 – Limits of historical analogues for marijuana users

15:46 – Potential outcomes and lingering problems with the statute

16:05 – Did Rahimi weaken Bruen? Halbrook’s analysis of surety laws and “going armed” analogues

17:26 – Upcoming public carry case from Hawaii

19:16 – “Assault weapon” bans and standard-capacity magazine restrictions – outlook for Supreme Court review

21:02 – Justice Kavanaugh’s prior views on DC “assault weapon” ban

22:59 – Status of major circuit cases and need for more percolation

23:25 – 922(g) challenges overall (felons, illegal aliens, etc.) – mostly as-applied

25:21 – Closing remarks and museum mention

Main Takeaways

• The Hemani case tests whether regular marijuana users can be categorically disarmed under the Second Amendment post-Bruen.

• The government bears the burden of proving historical analogues; simple intoxication laws may not suffice for non-intoxicated, regular users.

• Even a win for the defendant would likely be narrow (as-applied) rather than striking down the entire prohibition.

  
  

Featured Resources

• Stephen Halbrook’s books and scholarship on Second Amendment history  

• https://stephenhalbrook.com/

• Reason Magazine

• https://reason.com/volokh/2026/03/02/second-amendment-roundup-oral-argument-in-hemani/

• https://reason.com/volokh/2026/02/01/second-amendment-roundup-5th-circuit-holds-disarming-for-meth-conviction-violates-2nd-amendment/

• Supreme Court re Hemani, Bruen, and Rahimi

• https://www.scotusblog.com/cases/new-york-state-rifle-pistol-association-inc-v-bruen/

• https://www.scotusblog.com/cases/united-states-v-rahimi/

• https://www.scotusblog.com/cases/united-states-v-hemani/

• Stephen Halbrook on the Forge of Freedom

• https://forgeoffreedom.com/episode-188-the-legal-battle-for-the-second-amendment-with-stephen-halbrook/

• https://forgeoffreedom.com/episode-46-americas-rifle-the-case-for-the-ar-15-by-stephen-p-halbrook/

DISCLAIMER:  This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals they may mention. The hosts and guests are not liable for any damages that may result from someone listening to this podcast.

Show Notes

Episode 205. The Guardian Conference: Forging the Prepared Citizen

In this episode of Forge of Freedom, Alex sits down with Jacob Paulsen — founder of ConcealedCarry.com, creator of Mountain Man Medical, and host of the Guardian Conference.

The conversation explores Jacob’s mission-driven approach to self-defense, the evolution of his companies, and how the Guardian Conference represents a unique “buffet-style” training experience designed to expose attendees to a wide range of instructors, disciplines, and skill levels.

More than just gear or shooting proficiency, this episode dives into the broader philosophy of responsible armed defense — training, mindset, medical preparedness, and community.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Concealed Carry and Self-Defense

04:01 The Guardian Conference: A New Approach to Training

08:18 Meeting Diverse Needs: Inclusivity in Training

12:51 Expert Instructors: Quality and Safety in Training

16:06 Conference Logistics: What to Expect

20:03 The Value of Community and Shared Learning

24:48 Conclusion: Building a Training Lifestyle

Resources & Links

• Guardian Conference: https://guardianconference.com

• ConcealedCarry.com: https://www.concealedcarry.com

• Mountain Man Medical: https://www.mountainmanmedical.com

• Jacob Paulsen (Previous Appearance): Lessons from 1,600 Armed Traffic Stops:  https://forgeoffreedom.com/episode-182-what-over-1600-armed-traffic-stops-reveal-about-law-enforcement-interactions-with-jacob-paulsen/

DISCLAIMER:  This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals they may mention. The hosts and guests are not liable for any damages that may result from someone listening to this podcast.

Show Notes

Episode 204. Project Appleseed:  Rediscovering Our Heritage

In this final edition from the NRA Annual Meeting in Houston, Texas, host Alex Ooley sits down with Tom Kehoe, Chairman of the Board for Project Appleseed. They discuss how Project Appleseed bridges the gap between traditional marksmanship and American civic history, focusing on the events of April 19, 1775. Tom shares the organization's history—from its origins with "Fred's Rifle Stocks" to its current status as a national non-profit that has trained over 200,000 people.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the NRA Meeting and Guest

00:16 Project Appleseed's Presence at the NRA Show

01:28 Background and Mission of Project Appleseed

02:35 Historical Significance of April 19, 1775

04:05 Heritage, Heritage, Heritage: The American Revolution

05:23 Shared Heritage and American Unity

06:01 Civic Education and Community Involvement

07:03 Origins of Project Appleseed and Its Evolution

09:36 Marksmanship Programs and Instructor Training

12:02 Expanding to Pistol and Youth Programs

14:38 Inclusive Community and Volunteer Efforts

15:59 How to Find and Participate in Appleseed Events

17:27 What to Expect at an Appleseed Shoot

20:30 The Structure of a Typical Appleseed Event

22:03 Event Duration, Cost, and Equipment Needs

24:02 Youth and Accessibility in Appleseed Programs

25:30 The Importance of Heritage and Responsibility

29:36 The Shot Heard Around the World and Its Legacy

30:54 Reviving the Spirit of Liberty and Heritage

31:04 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

Resources

Official Website: Appleseedinfo.org

Social Media:

https://www.facebook.com/projectappleseed

https://x.com/AppleseedNation

https://www.instagram.com/project_appleseed/

https://www.youtube.com/@AppleseedNation

Book Recommendation: Paul Revere's Ride by David Hackett Fischer

https://www.amazon.com/Paul-Reveres-David-Hackett-Fischer/dp/0195098315

Sponsor: Beretta Holding (https://berettaholding.com/)

• The Mission: Project Appleseed is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to returning the U.S. to a "nation of riflemen" and ensuring the history of the American Revolution is passed down through hearts and minds.

• The "Three Strikes" of History: Tom recounts the pivotal moments of Lexington and Concord, explaining why April 19th was a "death sentence" for the colonists who chose to stand against the British regulars.

• Marksmanship Training:

• 25-Meter Program: Using scaled targets to simulate shooting at 100, 200, 300, and 400 yards.

• The AQT: The "Appleseed Qualification Test," a timed program of fire from standing, sitting/kneeling, and prone positions.

• New Pistol Program: Developed to reach a wider audience in areas where long-distance ranges are unavailable.

• The "Red Hat" Standard: Becoming an instructor requires approximately 160 hours of hands-on training and achieving an "Expert" score on the qualification test.

• A Family Affair: The program has evolved from a "hairy-legged men’s" club to a family-friendly environment where moms in yoga pants and kids as young as seven or eight learn side-by-side.

Keywords

Project Appleseed, American heritage, marksmanship, civic education, NRA, history, firearms training, NRAAM, Forge of Freedom

DISCLAIMER:  This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals they may mention. The hosts and guests are not liable for any damages that may result from someone listening to this podcast.

Key Discussion Points

Show Notes

Episode 203. The First 30 Seconds: Ed Monk on the Time & Math of Stopping Active Shooters

In this powerful conversation from the NRA Annual Meeting in Houston, Alex Ooley sits down with Ed Monk, author of First 30 Seconds and founder of Last Resort Firearms Training, for a no-nonsense discussion on active shooter response.

Ed breaks down the cold, unforgiving reality of “time and math” in active shooter events: the average attacker shoots a new victim every 3–5 seconds in the critical first minute. That means the difference between single-digit casualties and double-digit tragedies is often decided in the first 30 seconds.

Drawing from decades of military experience, years of research into past attacks, and real-world hero stories, Ed explains why the standard “Run, Hide, Fight” model gets it backwards — and why the correct order for those who are able must be Fight, Flee, Barricade.

He dismantles common myths about hardening buildings, metal detectors, school resource officers, and waiting for police, while showing what actually works: having willing, present, and capable people ready to stop the threat immediately.

Whether you’re a school administrator, church leader, business owner, or armed citizen, this episode delivers uncomfortable but life-saving truths about turning the odds in favor of the victims instead of the attacker.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Active Shooter Training and Background

05:10 The Military and Educational Perspective on Violence

11:22 Transitioning from Research to Public Speaking

12:30 The First 30 Seconds: Overview of the Book

17:18 Understanding the Time and Math Problem in Active Shooter Situations

27:39 Heroes in Action: Real-Life Examples of Courage

32:04 The Math of Violence: Understanding Active Shooter Dynamics

35:37 Planning for the Worst: Accepting Reality in Active Shooter Scenarios

41:14 Rethinking Response: Fight, Flee, or Barricade?

48:50 Empowering Educators: The Role of Teachers in Crisis Management

Resources

First 30 Seconds (Book) - https://www.amazon.com/First-30-Seconds-Shooter-Problem/dp/B0FFDMBKMQ/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.iBio5AmDoAakqtMiuP7wLuGeJfeO0cVfARuZBXZ7yvqN2MmM5zTVVJ19ccXZmOsXmvYLI7a391_A_VQcsVgZIxYoSymIk-pAjhV-C6c0vVogIOiJFsZM8AxTLQ7IAIYVEvVO5TzoiEFTgqNBt0oKZ71NiWM9l_lkEP0zrf8Ypec3pk1XKOE7pTsExiLwkCAjvy5cosFh5cwhhC8YgG80Rp62GUkw0QLhO2BFJ_7ylGQ.-K0bJHvRwqaGld6L8FTbGjAJxdjVowU7qFb2ruqp94s&dib_tag=se&keywords=first+30+seconds&qid=1776537815&sr=8-1

Last Resort Firearms Training – 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057584853533

Book Website - https://first30-seconds.com

Episode 134 of Forge of Freedom

https://forgeoffreedom.com/episode-134-active-shooter-response-with-ed-monk/

Email - [email protected]

Keywords

Active Shooter, Response Time, Firearms Training, School Safety, Violence Prevention, First 30 Seconds, Emergency Preparedness, Law Enforcement, Security Strategies

DISCLAIMER:  This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals they may mention. The hosts and guests are not liable for any damages that may result from someone listening to this podcast.

Show Notes

Episode 202. How NRA ILA Mobilizes Grassroots for Gun Rights (w/ David Conte)

This episode features an in-depth discussion with David Conte about the NRA ILA's efforts, grassroots activism, and how members can get involved to protect gun rights. We explore the importance of grassroots campaigns, upcoming events, and strategies for influencing legislation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Forge of Freedom Podcast

02:05 Understanding the Find Your NRA Event

06:03 The Role of NRA ILA in Gun Rights Advocacy

11:59 Grassroots Activism and Member Involvement

17:58 Conclusion and Call to Action

Resources

• NRA ILA Official Website - https://www.nraila.org/

• Find Your NRA Event Brochure - https://www.nraila.org/events/

• Grassroots Activism Guide - https://www.nraila.org/articles/

Keywords

NRA, NRA ILA, grassroots activism, gun rights, political campaigning, NRA event, voter outreach, legislative efforts, firearm safety, political strategy

DISCLAIMER:  This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals they may mention. The hosts and guests are not liable for any damages that may result from someone listening to this podcast.

Show Notes

Episode 201. The Conservative War Creed

This episode explores the contradictions in conservative principles supporting expansive military intervention, drawing parallels with the conservative drug war framework. It questions how support for war conflicts with limited government ideals and examines the historical and philosophical implications of perpetual warfare.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Current Conflict

02:55 The Conservative War Creed

10:44 War and Liberty: A Dangerous Relationship

Resources

Laurence Vance's Conservative Drug War Creed

https://www.lewrockwell.com/2018/06/laurence-m-vance/the-conservative-drug-war-creed/

Laurence Vance

https://www.fff.org/author/laurence-m-vance/ (@FutureofFreedom)

https://mises.org/profile/laurence-m-vance (@mises)

https://libertarianchristians.com/author/laurence/ (@LCIOfficial)

Ludwig von Mises

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Ludwig+von+Mises

Murray Rothbard

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Murray+Rothbard

Choice by @BobMurphyEcon

https://www.amazon.com/Choice-Cooperation-Enterprise-Human-Action/dp/1598132180

The Forge of Freedom Podcast

https://theforgeoffreedom.com

Keywords

war, liberty, conservative principles, foreign policy, interventionism, Mises, Rothbard, military-industrial complex, American empire, constitutional government

DISCLAIMER:  This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals they may mention. The hosts and guests are not liable for any damages that may result from someone listening to this podcast.

Show Notes

Episode 200. Alex Pretti, ICE, and the Second Amendment Smokescreen

In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, host Alex Ooley delves into the complex case of Alex Pretti, who was shot by federal agents during an immigration enforcement operation. Ooley discusses the nuances of the incident, the legal standards surrounding the use of deadly force, and the implications of the actions taken by both Pretti and law enforcement. Through a detailed analysis of video evidence and legal principles, he explores the challenges in determining the justification of the shooting and the broader societal implications of such incidents.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Alex Pretti Shooting

03:28 Setting the Stage: The Incident Overview

09:12 Legal Standards for Police Use of Deadly Force

18:25 Analyzing the Video Evidence

25:24 Conclusions and Implications of the Shooting

26:07 Justifying Use of Force

28:53 The Role of Perception in High-Stress Situations

34:33 Analyzing the Escalation of Events

38:18 Mistakes on Both Sides

43:10 Government Messaging and Public Perception

Resources

Videos Referenced

https://picoshare.relativelyprivate.com/-cSuYZNgCkK/B16B29BF-F136-4C4D-A94B-5B04B5B61A8E.mp4

https://www.reddit.com/r/law/comments/1qlvpbr/footage_of_the_grey_coat_officer_retrieving_the/

https://picoshare.relativelyprivate.com/-E3nk9KZKTE/E6317EB7-E5E6-4DB7-98C2-9EBF36835C1C.mp4

https://www.reddit.com/r/Minneapolis/comments/1qlpzu8/another_ice_murder_in_front_of_glam_doll_donuts/?utm_name=web3xcss

CNN Video

https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/29/us/video/ebof-alex-pretti-shooting-analysis-gianni-toboni

USA Today (featuring Rob Pincus)

https://www.usatoday.com/story/graphics/2026/01/24/minneapolis-shooting-video-analysis-alex-pretti/88338183007/

Amy Swearer

https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/alternative-answers-in-the-political-rorschach-test-of-alex-prettis-death/

Andrew Branca

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QT_tSHYo6U

John Correia (Active Self Protection)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRl_BNfgIHo

Tom Grieve

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFSBPEQYSFE

John Bryan & Patrick Jaicomo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RHdJdRp-6c

Jury Instructions re Force

https://juryinstructions.ca8.uscourts.gov/instructions/criminal/Criminal-Jury-Instructions.pdf

https://juryinstructions.ca8.uscourts.gov/

18 U.S.C. 111

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title18-section111&num=0&edition=prelim

https://www.cato.org/blog/second-amendment-meaningless-government-can-kill-you-exercising-it

Graham v. Connor

https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/490/386/

Tennessee v. Garner

https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/471/1/

In re Neagle

https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/135/1/

X posts

https://x.com/tenthamendment/status/2017006645944152251?s=43

https://x.com/Guntalk/status/2016150523406385604

https://x.com/fmrrepmtg/status/2015421468423729606?s=43

https://x.com/realspikecohen/status/2015212934780145771?s=43

https://x.com/TheBrancaShow/status/2015188635876766090

https://x.com/rapidresponse47/status/2015191400740995356?s=43

https://x.com/GunOwners/status/2018485712081891440

https://x.com/DHSgov/status/2015115351797780500

https://x.com/StephenM/status/2015127971485413805

https://x.com/thereal_SnS/status/2015575046404653276

https://x.com/USAttyEssayli/status/2015121052201087371

https://x.com/Acyn/status/2016207658622320795

https://x.com/BulwarkOnline/status/2015200598161797173

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