NOTE: VIDEO AT THE END OF ARTICLE
Federal authorities have taken action following nearly two weeks of nightly unrest in Los Angeles, announcing charges against individuals believed to have played key roles in organizing or escalating the violence.
Bill Essayli, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, revealed that a man caught on video handing out protective gear during the peak of the riots on June 9 has been arrested. The footage, aired by a local news outlet, shows a black pickup truck unloading boxes of heavy-duty face shields to demonstrators preparing for confrontation.
Alejandro Theodoro Orellana, identified as the driver in the video, was taken into custody by the FBI on June 12. He faces a federal conspiracy charge related to inciting civil disorder, under 18 USC 371. Officials allege his actions supported those engaging in unlawful activities during the riots.
In a press conference, Essayli emphasized the DOJ’s commitment to identifying and prosecuting individuals who facilitated the chaos: “We are acting swiftly to apprehend those who aided in civil disorder across Los Angeles.”
Another individual, Adam Palermo, 39, has also been charged in connection with violent incidents on June 9. Palermo allegedly threw rocks and incendiary devices at law enforcement officers and vehicles on U.S. Route 101. Authorities say he launched a rock from an overpass at a California Highway Patrol car and later tossed a flaming object at a CHP SUV, which caught fire.
Palermo faces multiple felony charges, including assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer, arson, and vandalism. Federal charges are also being pursued. According to prosecutors, he later posted images of damaged police vehicles online, claiming pride in his actions.
Meanwhile, political backlash has emerged over the cost of deploying federal troops. California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass criticized the federal response and associated expenses. Their comments have sparked heated responses on social media, with critics highlighting California’s substantial spending on undocumented immigrants.
Recent reports suggest California spends tens of billions annually on undocumented residents—dwarfing the $134 million federal deployment cost.
As tensions simmer, the DOJ continues to investigate and charge those linked to the violence, signaling a broader crackdown on organized unrest.
