The riots in Los Angeles didn’t erupt out of nowhere.
Riot gear, organized movements, and coordinated actions suggest planning.
Now, federal agents are following the money.
NEW: The FBI is currently tracing money to find out who is funding the Los Angeles riots.
“The FBI and our federal partners will continue to investigate individuals and organizations who are knowingly funding or committing acts of violence against law enforcement as well as the… pic.twitter.com/gRxYCPxEPz
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) June 17, 2025
A joint task force led by the FBI and IRS is investigating whether individuals or groups financially supported recent violence targeting law enforcement and federal property.
While peaceful protest remains a right, funding violent civil disorder is a federal crime.
So far, one arrest offers a glimpse into the larger picture.
Arrest Points to Coordination
Federal agents arrested Alejandro Orellana, who was caught on camera distributing “bionic” face shields to protesters.
He now faces charges of conspiracy to commit civil disorder. Officials say his actions helped fuel violence during the riots.
This arrest doesn’t prove who funded the gear, but it raises important questions.
Who provided these supplies? Who coordinated the effort?
Federal officials believe these were not isolated acts.
What Authorities Are Saying
According to U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, the riots appear “coordinated, orchestrated, and well-funded.”
The IRS’s involvement suggests a deeper investigation into financial crimes such as tax fraud or money laundering.
DHS officials say they’re working to uncover whether ideological groups or even foreign actors may have played a role.
They’ve stopped short of naming names, but they’re not ruling anything out.
So far, no individuals or organizations have been officially charged with financing the protests.
Speculation and Scrutiny
On social media, users have pointed to figures like George Soros or Neville Roy Singham.
Some threads claim their networks support radical protest movements. Congress is now reviewing Singham’s ties to Chinese-backed groups.
That said, these claims remain speculative.
While groups like Crowds on Demand confirmed they’ve received high-budget requests for protest-related services, they say they declined the offers.
Some online posts about “paid protest jobs” were later exposed as pranks or hoaxes. The truth is still unclear.
Why It Matters
What we know: supplies were distributed. A man was arrested. Federal officials believe money is flowing somewhere behind the scenes.
What we don’t know: who’s writing the checks, and for what purpose.
This investigation aims to answer those questions.
If financial backers are identified, it could lead to indictments, nonprofit sanctions, or even diplomatic consequences if foreign ties are confirmed.
Lessons from the Past
Law enforcement has seen this before.
In 2020, officials examined how protests turned into riots, and who paid for the logistics. Some answers came, but much remained hidden.
This time, federal agencies are acting quickly. They’re tracing accounts, tracking donations, and preparing to take action.
A Cautious Path Forward
Americans of all views deserve the right to protest peacefully.
But turning those protests into violence, especially if funded, is an attack on law and order.
It risks public safety. It erodes trust.
For now, investigators are asking the right questions. The public is waiting for answers.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed