Federal officials have now confirmed charges against Alejandro Orellana, the man previously identified as distributing “bionic shields” during violent protests in downtown Los Angeles. In a press conference, the U.S. Attorney’s Office revealed that Orellana has been taken into custody and charged with multiple federal crimes stemming from his role in aiding violent agitators.
Watch the press conference here:
Orellana first gained attention when video footage, shared widely on social media, covered by Legal Insurrection, showed him handing out industrial-grade face shields during a wave of anti-ICE riots in early June. Federal prosecutors now allege those actions were far from spontaneous.
“On June 9, he drove his truck downtown with an unidentified woman to hand out large quantities of face shields to individuals who appear to be engaged in violence and vandalism,” the U.S. Attorney said. “He was not handing them out to peaceful protesters.”
Investigators say the shields were specifically designed to help rioters evade police countermeasures like tear gas and rubber bullets.
“These face shields are designed to protect from chemical splashes and flying debris, which helps protect violent agitators from less-than-lethal weapons deployed by law enforcement.”
When the FBI raided Orellana’s home, they discovered a slingshot-style weapon, ammunition—including rocks and metal BBs—spray paint, goggles, and a notebook containing coded anti-police language: “1312” (commonly shorthand for “All Cops Are Bastards”) and “187” (a slang term for murder).
He now faces charges under multiple federal statutes, including conspiracy to commit civil disorder and aiding and abetting civil disorders—each of which carries a maximum sentence of five years.
The Attorney General for the Central District of CA stressed how bad these protests have been:
“Much of the violence has been directed at law enforcement—police officers who are just trying to do their jobs and protect the community,”
As the crackdown on organized protest violence continues, federal authorities appear intent on making examples of those they accuse of facilitating mayhem, not just those caught on camera committing it. A refreshing change from the previous administration.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL VERSION OF THIS STORY