- Federal authorities are searching for 40-year-old Elpidio Reyna, who hurled cinderblock fragments at federal officers during an anti-ICE riot in Los Angeles.
- The FBI has identified Reyna and is actively searching for him, offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.
- Federal officials stress that violence against law enforcement will be prosecuted, with Reyna facing up to 8 years in prison if convicted.
Authorities are hunting for a violent protester who took lawlessness to the next level during a weekend riot in Los Angeles. The FBI has zeroed in on 40-year-old Elpidio Reyna, whom they say hurled cinderblock fragments at federal law enforcement vehicles during a heated anti-ICE protest. The incident, which quickly gained national attention, occurred Saturday in the suburb of Paramount, where federal officers dodged concrete projectiles as they exited a command post.
A Brazen Act Sparks Federal Outrage
Attorney General Pam Bondi did not mince words during her Monday appearance on Fox News. “This guy has just been identified. A search warrant is being served on his residence right now,” she told host Sean Hannity. “You can run, but you can’t hide,” she warned other potential offenders who may have participated in the violence.
Federal officials say Reyna didn’t just damage property—he endangered lives. Video footage shows him striking at least eight vehicles speeding down Alondra Boulevard. The vehicles belonged to federal agents, and the attack happened in broad daylight as bystanders cheered in Spanish. Many of them held up phones to record the chaos, while Reyna, masked and hidden behind sunglasses and a motorcycle helmet, threw chunks of broken concrete at the officers.
“Wanted and Dangerous”
U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, who leads the Central District of California, later identified the suspect by name on social media. “WANTED: Elpidio Reyna can run, but he can’t hide,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter). “This was a brazen and violent assault on federal officers, and it could have easily resulted in tragedy.”
Reyna has been formally charged with assault on a federal officer, a serious federal offense that carries a potential sentence of up to eight years in prison. As of now, he remains at large, but law enforcement is confident it’s only a matter of time before he’s behind bars. The FBI’s Los Angeles field office confirmed they’re actively tracking him down. “Our investigation is ongoing,” a spokesperson told The Post, urging the public to come forward with any tips.
To speed up the capture, the FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for any information that leads to Reyna’s identification, arrest, and conviction. That figure reflects the level of concern federal authorities have about the violence spiraling out of control in recent demonstrations.
Lawlessness or Protest?
While many in the community gathered to protest ICE operations and immigration policies, a small group turned the demonstration violent. Federal agents reported that individuals smashed cinderblocks on the street and hurled the fragments at law enforcement vehicles. Authorities say the attack appeared deliberate and coordinated—not spontaneous.
This wasn’t just a protester acting out—it was a deliberate attack,” Bondi said. “We’re done with the chaos. If you think you can spit on officers, loot stores, or assault federal agents and get away with it, think again.
Bondi emphasized the difference between peaceful protest and violent rebellion. “You want to protest? That’s your right,” she said. “But throwing bricks? That’s a crime, and we’re going to treat it like one.”
A City in Crisis
The streets of Los Angeles have seen a troubling rise in clashes between law enforcement and protesters, especially when federal agencies become involved. Saturday’s riot was one of several incidents over the past few months where tensions erupted into violence. Critics argue that local officials have failed to control the streets, allowing anger to spiral into mayhem.
Bondi didn’t hold back in her criticism of local and state leaders. “It looks like a third-world country out there,” she said bluntly. “But it’s not—it’s the United States of America. And we are not standing for it anymore.”
She added that the Justice Department is currently working on nine open cases involving assaults on federal officers in the area, with more expected to follow as investigations continue.
Public Reaction Divides
As expected, the incident sparked mixed reactions from the public. Supporters of law enforcement are demanding swift action and tougher penalties for violent protesters. Many have taken to social media to praise the FBI’s work and express outrage that someone would attack officers trying to maintain order.
“I hope they catch him soon,” one local resident posted online. “That kind of violence makes everything worse. It’s not justice—it’s chaos.”
Others, however, point to deep-seated anger and mistrust of federal agencies, especially those involved in immigration enforcement. “People are frustrated, and they feel ignored,” one activist said. “That doesn’t excuse violence, but it’s not coming from nowhere.”
The Hunt Continues
As the search for Reyna continues, federal officials say they are working around the clock to track his movements. They believe he may be receiving help from others in the community, which could complicate efforts to arrest him quickly.
“We’re urging anyone who knows where he is to come forward,” said the FBI spokesperson. “This is a serious matter. Someone could have been killed.”
Authorities have already released multiple photographs of the suspect, showing him from different angles during the attack. He’s dressed in all black, with layers of headgear and facial coverings designed to hide his identity—but not well enough to escape the FBI’s scrutiny.
As the FBI closes in, all eyes are on Los Angeles. And many are asking the same question: how did we get to a point where throwing bricks at police became part of the narrative? Whatever the answer, authorities are determined to draw the line—firmly, and fast.