Los Angeles lifted the curfew order this Tuesday (17th), allowing unrestricted access to downtown roads. However, the investigation and accountability for the violent riots are far from over. Federal prosecutors stated that they are closely monitoring the “masterminds” behind the Los Angeles riots.
Bill Essayli, the Chief Federal Prosecutor for Central California, mentioned during a press conference on Tuesday that aside from prosecuting individuals committing offenses, the federal prosecutor’s office is closely scrutinizing “the organizers, funders, and supporters behind these violent acts.”
For instance, he pointed out that during the riots, there were people distributing riot masks for free to participants in violent and destructive actions; such masks are not cheap, raising questions about who is planning and funding these activities.
“I will not disclose more details at this moment,” Essayli said. “But I can tell you that many of those involved may not necessarily be from the Los Angeles area. So, there is a larger plan at play here, which I believe will gradually come to light with time.”
Prior reports by the New York Post have suggested that the “Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights” (CHIRLA), which received tens of millions of dollars in government grants during the previous administration, was one of the first to organize protest rallies. Another organization accused of fueling the protests is the “Party for Socialism and Liberation” (PSL), known for its Marxist ideologies. The funding sources behind PSL lead to Neville Singham, a billionaire living in seclusion in Shanghai, China.
According to a report from the “Network Contagion Research Institute” at Rutgers University in 2024, there are connections between the Party for Socialism and Liberation and the Chinese Communist Party. Singham, a supporter of far-left causes, is also believed to have close ties to the Chinese Communist Party.
The New York Post reported on the 12th of this month that Singham is being summoned by congressional committees for allegedly funding radical groups involved in the Los Angeles riots.
On Tuesday, Essayli stressed that people have the right to engage in peaceful protests but not the right to damage public or private property, or to commit violent acts. Since the riots erupted in Los Angeles on the 6th of this month, the federal prosecutor’s office, in collaboration with law enforcement partners, has brought federal charges against over twenty individuals for offenses including participating in violent acts, impeding law enforcement actions, or supporting violent actions.
These indictments encompass various illegal behaviors, such as distributing riot masks to agitators, stockpiling powerful wrist-mounted rocket launchers and ammunition, or recklessly driving to strike military and law enforcement personnel.
Essayli emphasized that while attacking local law enforcement typically does not constitute a federal crime, individuals face federal prosecution if social unrest or riots occur. “We will handle each case on a case-by-case basis according to the specifics,” he stated.
The Los Angeles Police Department reported on Monday (16th) that since the 7th, they have arrested 575 individuals related to protest activities, for charges including violating curfew orders, assaulting police officers, resisting arrest, obstructing police enforcement, and looting businesses opportunistically. Some of the accusations fall outside federal jurisdiction, and the local prosecutors in Los Angeles County continue filing charges.
Nathan Hochman, the Los Angeles County Prosecutor, mentioned during Tuesday’s press conference that among the 575 individuals arrested by the police, many were for curfew violations, considered minor offenses. The cases currently under prosecution by the prosecutor’s office mostly involve individuals committing crimes such as assaulting officers, theft, and destruction of public property, with 30 individuals formally charged so far.
For example, Adam Palermo, born in 1986, faces four serious charges, including attacking county police with deadly weapons, arson, and property destruction. If convicted, he could face up to nine years and eight months in state prison.
William Rubio, born in 2001, faces two serious charges for assaulting police and causing fatalities using destructive devices. If found guilty, he could be sentenced to up to eight years and eight months in prison.
Eddie Lee Baldwin, born in 1986, is accused of forcefully entering an Apple store in the city center with a group of individuals to commit robbery. If found guilty, he could face up to six years in prison.
Hochman further stated that over the past two weeks, the majority of individuals have been exercising their rights within the legal bounds but a small faction has been using “protests” as a cover to create chaos, engage in violent activities, and commit various offenses. The prosecutor’s office will vigorously prosecute those who cross the line into criminal behavior.