Or at least that was my reaction to this incredible photo posted online by a photographer named John Abernathy attributed to Pierre LaVey.
Abernathy said on Instagram that he is the one in the photo during Thursday’s protest bishop henry The Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis, where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is basing its current high profile operations in Minneapolis. He claims that after being tackled by ICE agents backed by “50 border police”, Abernathy apparently pushed his Coca-Cola camera in the direction of another photographer “to make sure it would not be confiscated”.
Over at Bluesky, Abernethy provides a slightly more detailed review for camera buyers, writing that his Leica “landed on the bass plate with barely a scratch.” Before he could even claim that he was subdued, a tear gas canister went off near his face, and that pepper spray “went straight into the eye.” A photo published by ABC News showed Abernathy lying on the ground with orange fluid visible around his eye.
What exactly should we buy if we want to replicate this incredible tableau? Posters on the Leica subreddit were immediately on to the matter (although the initial post has since been removed), noting that it appears to be an all-black version of the Leica M10. Comparable cameras sell for around $4,595.00 in the US, so if you’re in the market for a camera you’ll want to stress test by throwing it on some rough concrete like the Abernethy.
And how did it handle such abuse without erasure? Perhaps only through the intervention of the journalism gods in all honesty, but according to the Leica website, “Thanks to components made of solid brass, the M-10’s all-metal, magnesium alloy chassis and the high strength of scratch-resistant Corning® Gorilla® Glass, it is built to effortlessly resist the adversities of everyday life guaranteeing photographers lasting enjoyment.” So there is that too.
For what it’s worth, ICE complained on X that “Anti-ICE protesters “threw objects” at the incident. ICE’s post does not mention the items containing expensive cameras. ICE claims he also “made abusive comments, and endangered the public by flooding roads to create icy, dangerous conditions.”
Yesterday, law enforcement at the Whipple Federal Building faced violent anti-ICE protesters who threw objects, shouted profanities, and poured water on the streets to create icy, dangerous conditions, putting the public at risk.
After repeated warnings, 4 agitators were arrested… pic.twitter.com/wXgIJh7mRh
– U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (@ICEgov) 16 January 2026
Leica cameras are priced at absolutely tempting levels, and often come with unique features that attract serious photographers. As my one-time colleague Lucas Ropek noted in 2023, a step up from the M10 is the $9,500 M11, which is specifically designed with digital authenticity tools to combat AI misinformation.
Owning a Leica is the best way to access the Leica subculture, where some of the most amazing discourse takes place. “Phew. I’m not sure I’d bring my M body out there for this,” notes a Laika enthusiast on the Laika subreddit, adding, “Not because of the danger to the camera, but because I prefer something like the 24-105 with autofocus in that environment.”
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