The FBI has announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of a violent masked rioter who assaulted a federal officer during the recent anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles. The suspect, who remains unidentified, injured an officer by throwing rocks at law enforcement vehicles on Alondra Boulevard in Paramount. In addition to injuring an officer, the suspect also caused damage to an FBI vehicle.
Photos released by the FBI show the suspect wearing a motorcycle helmet and sunglasses during the demonstration, as well as a cap and face mask to conceal his identity. The agency is urging anyone with information on the suspect to come forward in order to aid in his arrest and conviction.
The riots in Los Angeles were sparked by President Trump’s immigration policies, leading to chaos in the city. Trump responded by ordering 2,000 National Guard troops to respond to protests around federal buildings in downtown LA, where ICE officials were detaining immigrants for deportation. The president also called for the arrest of all rioters wearing face masks as tensions escalated and protests spread to San Francisco.
In San Francisco, riots also turned violent as protesters clashed with police in riot gear, shooting fireworks at officers and causing damage to buildings. LAPD Chief of Police Jim McDonnell stated that his force was overwhelmed by the protests, as rioters armed with hammers and cinder blocks threw concrete at officers.
In the aftermath of the riots, San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie confirmed that about 60 people were arrested and two officers were injured in the city’s financial district. Lurie emphasized the importance of peaceful protest but condemned violent and destructive behavior, stating that local law enforcement will always protect the right to peaceful protest while ensuring the safety of all individuals in the city.