Full Breakdown
Rev. Jim Rigby Links MAGA to Confederate Revival After WHCD Shooting Attempt
4/29/2026, 5:19:24 AM
Core Event: Sermon Connects MAGA to the Confederate States of America
On April 28, 2026, Rev. Jim Rigby, pastor of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Austin, delivered a sermon asserting that the “heart of the MAGA movement” seeks to restore the Confederate States of America rather than the United States. His remarks followed the attempted shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner the night before.
Background & Context: Rigby’s Progressive Theology and Political Ties
Rigby publicly promotes inclusive language, describing God as nonbinary and rejecting gendered titles such as “King” or “Lord.” His congregation displays an LGBTQ flag over the cross, hosts a nonbinary minister, and received a “Reproductive Freedom Designation” from the Texas Freedom Network for supporting abortion access. He previously opposed a Texas law banning sex-change procedures for minors and has criticized traditional gendered theology as “sexist.”
Key Figures & Groups
- Rev. Jim Rigby – Pastor and sermon speaker.
- James Talarico – Democrat Texas Senate candidate who calls Rigby a mentor.
- Zach Kraft – Republican National Committee spokesman.
- St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church – Congregation with progressive policies.
- Cole Tomas Allen – 31-year-old alleged shooter at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner.
Timeline
- April 27, 2026 – Shooting attempt at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, Washington Hilton; Secret Service agent injured but stable.
- April 28, 2026 – Rigby’s sermon linking MAGA to the Confederacy.
- May 2026 – Republican runoff determines whether Ken Paxton or John Cornyn will face Talarico in November.
- November 2026 – General election for the Texas Senate seat.
Data & Statistics
Official Statements & Responses
The Republican National Committee, via spokesman Zach Kraft, condemned Rigby’s comments as “disgusting” and accused Democrats of fostering political violence. St. Andrew’s issued a statement emphasizing that gendered language “produces rape culture” and that portraying the divine as male is “the most sexist comment a person can make.” James Talarico reiterated his opposition to government-imposed religion, describing such actions as “violence to both Christianity and Judaism.”
Criticism & Opposition
Kraft’s remarks framed Rigby’s sermon as part of a broader pattern of left-wing provocation. No direct rebuttal from Rigby or the church appears in the source material.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I said last week, if violence could have gotten rid of racism, the Civil War would have worked.” — Rev. Jim Rigby
- “The America they want to get back to is the Confederate States of America, not the United States of America.” — Rev. Jim Rigby
- “ Zach Kraft, a spokesman for the Republican National Committee, said in a statement: Absolutely disgusting stuff from James Talarico’s self-proclaimed mentor, but it is nothing new.” — Zach Kraft, RNC spokesman
- “Cultures that link masculinity with control over women will produce more rape. If we wanted to design a rape culture, sexist theology would be a good blueprint.” — St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church statement
- “I don’t want anyone forcing their religion down my throat. I certainly don’t want the government forcing a religion down my throat.” — James Talarico
Why It Matters / Impact
Rigby’s sermon intertwines religious rhetoric with contemporary political debate, potentially shaping voter perceptions of both the MAGA movement and Talarico’s candidacy. The remarks also highlight ongoing tensions within religious communities over gender, sexuality, and political alignment.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The source does not provide independent verification of the shooter’s prior political donations or protest attendance, leaving a gap in understanding his motivations.
What’s Next
Talarico’s Senate race will proceed to a November contest against the Republican runoff winner. Both candidates may address the controversy surrounding Rigby’s statements as part of their campaign narratives.
