Aron McKillips, a member of the anti-government extremist “boogaloo” movement, has been sentenced to over three years in prison for threatening to kill law enforcement officers. McKillips posted online threats, including a photo of himself pointing a rifle at a police officer parked nearby at his home in Sandusky, Ohio. He was arrested and charged in 2022, with a criminal complaint identifying him as a well-known member of the “Boogaloo Boys” movement. The group promotes a second civil war and violence against law enforcement, with some members being involved in attacks on police.
McKillips pleaded guilty to interstate communication of threats and unlawful possession of a machine gun, receiving a 41-month prison sentence. The charge of possessing a machine gun is connected to a “drop-in auto sear” that McKillips had, which allows an AR-style rifle to fire fully automatic. He had given three sears to other “boogaloo” movement members. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives considers an auto sear to be a machine gun on its own.
An attorney representing McKillips did not respond to a request for comment after the sentencing. The case highlights the dangers posed by extremist groups and the importance of law enforcement action to prevent violence and protect public safety.
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