To understand the stance of an unwavering Trump loyalist after United States Custom and Enforcement shocked the nation this weekend by shooting another American citizen in Minneapolis, look no further than Khosla Ventures partner Keith Rabois.
Rabois’ public support for ICE’s actions in the killing of Alex Pretti, made via posts on X, was so vehement that Khosla Ventures partner Ethan Choi and firm founder Vinod Khosla both publicly disavowed it.
Rabois argued that Pretti was at fault, writing that the protester was committing a “felony.” One of Rabois’ posts said, “[N]o law enforcement has shot an innocent person. [I[llegals are committing violent crimes every day.” Another said: “[H]e unequivocally attempted to draw his weapon. [F]uck you.” In another post that discussed citizens’ ability to exercise their First, Second and Fourth Amendment rights, the VC responded weighed in to write: “[Y]es but interfering w a law enforcement operation is not protected by any of those amendments.”
Among other comments, Rabois went on to say he doesn’t believe that the Minneapolis police could be credible sources in an investigation. “[I] don’t think you should ask any law enforcement in MN. But i am very open to reading views from any other urban jurisdiction.” He instead blamed the city’s police for the situation. “Because the MN police’s refusal to cooperate is exactly what is leading to these treacherous conditions (for everyone).”
And so on.
X reacted as you might expect. Other Trump supporters cheered Rabois on, while those who condemn ICE’s actions argued with and condemned the investor.
The situation spiraled so much that when one person suggested that founders remove Khosla from their cap tables altogether, Khosla partner Choi piped up to distance himself.
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Choi posted: “I want to make it clear that Keith doesn’t represent everyone’s views here at @khoslaventures, at least not mine. What happened in Minnesota is plain wrong. Don’t know how you could really see it differently. Sad to see a person’s life taken unnecessarily.”
Then the founder of the firm, Khosla himself, stood by Choi. “I agree with @EthanChoi7 . Macho ICE vigilantes running [amok] empowered by a conscious-less administration,” he said in his post on X.
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