The FBI has arrested the person it suspects of giving away face shields to protesters during the anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles.
Video captured a man, identified by authorities as Alejandro Theodoro Orellana, handing out UVEX Bionic Shield masks to protesters similar to those worn by law enforcement. A black truck parked in the middle of the street before several people passed out the brand new masks from the truck bed. The driver at the time wore a bandana to cover their face.
Recommended Stories
- Arnold Schwarzenegger says California will rebound from anti-ICE riots
- Eric Adams credits NYPD training for calm amid anti-ICE riots
- LA spent years defunding police before anti-ICE riots
Bill Essayli, the U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, announced Orellana’s arrest Thursday, along with photos of him being arrested. Orellana’s arrest was also lauded by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
“Alejandro Theodoro Orellana was arrested this morning by @FBILosAngeles on an allegation of Conspiracy to Commit Civil Disorders (18 USC 371) for distributing face shields to suspected rioters on Tuesday,” Essayli wrote on X. “We are moving quickly to identify and arrest those involved in organizing and/or supporting civil disorder in Los Angeles.”
“He chose poorly,” FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said of Orellana. “Choose wisely.”
BASS DOWNPLAYS ‘COMPLETELY UNNECESSARY’ AID FROM NATIONAL GUARD, MARINES
Essayli has not shied away from charging other protesters, including those armed with Molotov cocktails, who are now facing charges of possession of an unregistered destructive device. This charge carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years according to Essayli. One of the suspects was revealed to be a Mexican national.
FBI Director Kash Patel announced earlier this week that his agency would conduct an investigation into who was financially responsible for the groups behind the violent protests.