The U.S. Department of Justice has begun filing federal charges against individuals involved in organizing and participating in recent riots in Los Angeles. The city has experienced nightly unrest for over two weeks. On June 9, one of the most violent nights, video footage showed a man distributing boxes of heavy-duty face shields from a black pickup truck. Fox Los Angeles reporter Matthew Seedorff noted the gear was likely intended to conceal identities during clashes with police. On June 12, FBI agents arrested Alejandro Theodoro Orellana, identified as the truck’s driver. He was charged with Conspiracy to Commit Civil Disorders under 18 U.S.C. § 371. U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, announcing the charges on X, emphasized the DOJ’s swift action to hold those responsible accountable.
In a separate case, Adam Palermo, 39, faces both state and federal charges for allegedly attacking law enforcement during the same night of unrest. Prosecutors say he threw rocks and incendiary devices at officers, and ignited an object that he tossed onto a California Highway Patrol SUV, which caught fire. Palermo also reportedly posted images and videos of the damage to social media, expressing pride in his actions. He faces multiple felony charges, including assault with a deadly weapon, arson, and vandalism.
