The U.S. Department of Justice is pursuing federal charges against individuals involved in organizing and supporting violent unrest in Los Angeles. U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli announced charges against Alejandro Theodoro Orellana, who was caught on video distributing face shields to rioters on June 9. Orellana has been arrested and charged with Conspiracy to Commit Civil Disorders. Additionally, Adam Palermo, 39, faces multiple state and federal charges, including assault with a deadly weapon, arson, and vandalism after allegedly throwing a rock at a California Highway Patrol vehicle and setting fire to another during the riots. Palermo also reportedly boasted on social media about his involvement in the violence.
The federal crackdown comes amid political backlash over the cost of deploying troops to manage the riots. California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass criticized the \$134 million federal expenditure, calling it a misuse of taxpayer funds. In response, conservative figures pointed to the significantly higher costs California incurs annually for services to illegal immigrants, arguing those funds could be better used for citizens and disaster recovery. Fox News Digital reports the state spends tens of billions each year on undocumented immigrants, which has sparked a larger debate about state spending priorities. The DOJ continues its efforts to identify and prosecute those responsible for instigating and participating in civil unrest.
