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The District Attorney of Los Angeles County, Nathan Hochman, issued a severe warning on Wednesday to those responsible for the recent rioting: “We will find you. We will apprehend you. We will take legal action against you. And we will mete out punishment.”
Accompanied by LA Sheriff Robert Luna and LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell, Hochman revealed that felony charges have been filed against multiple rioters who are alleged to have assaulted officers, looted establishments, and damaged public property.
More arrests and charges are expected in the coming days.
“Here’s some unwelcome news for you,” Hochman declared. “There is an abundance of video evidence circulating through social media and other channels, which will enable us to identify those involved in these activities. Therefore, for individuals who have partaken in these unlawful acts, be prepared – we are on our way to apprehend you.”
Officials announced felony charges for protest-related violence and warned additional arrests are forthcoming. (KTTV)
Ulysses Sanchez, a three-strike felon, was charged with assault and gun possession after allegedly recklessly driving through downtown and injuring bystanders. He could face 25 years to life.
Christopher Gonzalez and Yoselin Johnson were charged with felony vandalism after allegedly painting graffiti on the Hall of Justice. Deputies say they found paint buckets and a large roller pole in their car.
“These are not protesters,” said Sheriff Luna. “There’s a big distinction between individuals that protest and demonstrate to violent, destructive, basically anarchist. … What we’re talking about are the individuals who don’t care about the issue at hand.”
A protester places debris in a fire as Border Patrol personnel in riot gear and gas masks stand guard outside an industrial park in Paramount, Calif., June 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
Luna praised the district attorney for taking fast action, assigning a special prosecutor to focus on crimes against law enforcement. He also noted help from federal agencies, with some suspects possibly facing federal charges.
Chief McDonnell revealed some of the dangers officers have faced in recent days. He said officers have been targeted with fireworks, Molotov cocktails and even mortars.
“This is no longer a protest when commercial-grade fireworks are being used as weapons, and our officers are under direct attack,” he said. “That’s not free speech. That’s a felony.
“We will facilitate all peaceful First Amendment activity,” said Sheriff Luna. “But when you have people that are out here to commit acts of violence, against our deputy sheriffs or police officers or, just, they’re destroying our city. We’re going to stop it.”
