The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced on July 23 that Elpidio Reyna, a masked assailant suspected of attacking federal officials during protests in Los Angeles, was apprehended at the San Ysidro port of entry in San Diego County at the US-Mexico border.
Reyna, a wanted felon by the FBI for allegedly assaulting federal officials, made his initial court appearance on Wednesday. If convicted on this serious charge, he could face up to eight years of imprisonment.
Early on Wednesday, FBI Director Kash Patel expressed gratitude on social media for the efforts of law enforcement officers. He emphasized, “The FBI will not tolerate any violence against those who protect our nation.”
In the past month, the Los Angeles area has seen violent riots against US immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with reports of rioters attacking police, assaulting federal law enforcement officers, looting businesses, and vandalizing public property. Reyna was one of the individuals involved during this period.
On June 7 at 3:30 pm, a masked man threw rocks at law enforcement vehicles on Alondra Boulevard in Paramount, causing injury to a federal official and damage to a government vehicle.
Following this incident, the FBI issued a reward notice identifying the masked man as 40-year-old Reyna. The FBI encouraged the public to provide any leads leading to the arrest of this individual, with a reward of up to $50,000 offered for information.
After Reyna’s arrest, US Federal Prosecutor Bill Essayli released a video of Reyna’s crime and arrest scene, stating, “Today’s arrest of Reyna sends a clear message that we can find and prosecute anyone who violates federal law, so don’t touch our officials.”
The Federal Prosecutor’s office has filed criminal charges against several suspects involved in the attacks on law enforcement officers during the Los Angeles riots, including throwing Molotov cocktails, spitting, damaging law enforcement vehicles, among other offenses. If convicted, the defendants could face up to 10 years of federal imprisonment.
In a press conference last month, Essayli stated, “We are investigating hundreds of people. We have videos, videos collected by the FBI. We are collecting body camera footage, social media information. We are gathering all evidence.”
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles County District Attorney has leveled various charges against dozens of individuals for attacking law enforcement officers, damaging public or private property, and inciting violence resulting in injuries.
At present, the unrest in Los Angeles appears to be gradually subsiding. The Pentagon announced on Tuesday that 2,000 National Guard troops deployed in Los Angeles for federal security missions will be withdrawn. However, the accountability for the riot events is still ongoing. In addition to arresting and prosecuting perpetrators of violence, Congress and prosecutors are also investigating the “hidden hands” behind funding and supporting the riots.