FBI seeks man who threw rocks at police during protest in Los Angeles
The FBI is actively searching for a man who allegedly threw rocks at police officers during a pro-Palestinian protest in Los Angeles. Authorities have offered a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to his arrest, while tensions rise amid increased military presence and ongoing debates over protest rights.
The FBI is now searching for Maximo Reyna, who is blamed for throwing rocks during a inmigration protests in Los Angeles. The spree of vandalism broke windows and endangered pedestrians. The investigation will determine whether the crime is a federal offense. The case is being considered a threat to security by the authorities.
The FBI posted a picture of the suspect and put out an offer for up to $50,000 for a tip leading to his arrest and conviction. They also told the public to call 1-800-CALL-FBI with any information. FBI Assistant Director Dan Bongino tweeted: "Turn yourself in. It's only a matter of time." The search has become a national story and is a priority with federal authorities.
LA protest turns violent; Trump deploys troops to L.A.
The LA protests, which have largely remained peaceful but have also on occasion spiked. Reyna threw several rocks, then fled, eyewitnesses said. No one got hurt, but there was tension created in the crowd. There was police presence but they were not successful in arresting him. It is not known yet if he had planned it himself or with others.
In a move to counteract growing social chaos, the Trump administration deployed 700 Marines to Los Angeles and increased the California National Guard strength to 4,000 troops. The action has been controversial and was opposed by Governor Gavin Newsom. The federal government insists on toughness to maintain order, though. National security is the main rationale for the deployment. Political tensions between federal and state governments are rising.
FBI hunts Reyna amid rising protest tensions
This follows a series of incidents of vandalism during related protests throughout the country. The government has threatened to respond to any violence to the letter of the law. The FBI has also heightened its surveillance of public meetings and social events. Activists are advocating that the criminalization of the right to protest not take place. The debate on freedom of expression vs. security remains yet to come down.
‘Turn yourself in,’ tweeted FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino, as the Los Angeles office offers a $50,000 reward for information on the suspect who threw rocks at officers during the protest. Photo: Dan Bongino X account
Civil rights groups and community leaders are calling for the mobilizations to remain legal. Reyna is still at large, and the FBI is deploying even more troops to find her. The combination of the rewards, the deployment of the military, and the media heat suggests how seriously the case is taken. The investigations remain open.
