FBI Launches Intense Manhunt for Fugitive in Violent Paramount Protest Assault
In a dramatic turn following recent immigration enforcement protests, the FBI has announced a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Elpidio Reyna, a man accused of assaulting a federal officer during a chaotic scene in Paramount, California. The suspect remains at large, and the case is quickly drawing national attention as tensions continue to rise over federal immigration activity in Southern California.
The incident unfolded on Saturday, June 7, amid growing unrest over the presence of federal agents in the city of Paramount, located in Los Angeles County. Early that morning, videos began circulating online showing federal law enforcement officers stationed outside a Home Depot. Although rumors swirled on social media about an ICE raid, officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) were quick to clarify that no such raid took place. Instead, agents were reportedly staging at a nearby office, likely in preparation for unrelated law enforcement activity.
Despite the clarification, the presence of federal agents ignited public outcry, prompting protesters to converge on the area. The crowd grew throughout the day, and by 4 p.m., the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department declared the demonstration an unlawful assembly, ordering protesters to disperse. The unrest didn’t end there, it spread to nearby Compton and, by evening, demonstrators had also taken to the streets of downtown Los Angeles, escalating tensions citywide.
A Fugitive Identified
Two days later, on June 9, the FBI made a public breakthrough. They released a photo of the suspect in the Paramount assault and identified him as Elpidio Reyna, 40, of Compton, California. The bureau has labeled Reyna a fugitive, issuing a nationwide appeal for information about his whereabouts. Their offer: a reward of up to $50,000 for any tip that leads to his arrest and conviction.
“He is considered a fugitive, and we continue to seek his location,” the FBI confirmed in a statement. Officials emphasized the seriousness of the alleged crime, noting that it occurred in the middle of a high-tension moment between federal agents and demonstrators.
The suspect’s alleged actions were further detailed by Bill Essayli, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, who called the event a “brazen attack caught on film.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Essayli shared video footage that appears to show Reyna wearing a motorcycle helmet standing in the road median and hurling rocks at passing vehicles, including a white Border Patrol pickup truck. The clip captured the intensity of the moment and highlighted the risks faced by law enforcement during such volatile encounters.
FBI Issues Stark Warning
This incident in Paramount appears to be part of a broader pattern of violence directed at federal officers throughout the Los Angeles area in recent days. The FBI says it is actively investigating multiple incidents where law enforcement agents serving federal warrants were assaulted during operations.
Akil Davis, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, issued a stern warning:
“Anyone who deliberately impedes the efforts of law enforcement agents and officers who are carrying out lawful warrants will be subject to federal prosecution, to include spending time in federal prison.”
Davis’s message was clear: the federal government will not tolerate attacks on its officers, especially during the execution of lawful duties. The agency is now urging the public to help them locate Reyna, asking anyone with credible information to come forward immediately.
Social Media’s Role in Unfolding Events
Social media has played a significant role in shaping public perception of the incident. Clips of the alleged assault and protests have been widely shared, fueling debates around federal immigration enforcement and the use of force during civil demonstrations.
Many users have voiced support for law enforcement, praising the FBI’s swift identification of the suspect and their offer of a reward. Others, however, remain skeptical of the broader immigration enforcement agenda, arguing that the presence of federal agents in local communities—particularly in immigrant-heavy neighborhoods—inevitably provokes conflict and fear.
Despite those tensions, what remains undisputed is the need for accountability when violence is directed at law enforcement officers. The FBI’s reward and continued investigation underscore the seriousness of that commitment.
Community on Edge
The broader Los Angeles area remains on edge as protests and counter-protests continue in the aftermath of the Paramount incident. Advocacy groups are calling for transparency in federal operations, while law enforcement agencies are ramping up security and visibility to prevent further outbreaks of violence.
The case of Elpidio Reyna has become a flashpoint in the debate over how immigration enforcement is handled and how communities respond to it. Whether Reyna’s alleged assault was an isolated act or a sign of growing resistance to federal authority, one thing is clear: the federal government is treating this as a high-priority manhunt, and they are determined to bring the suspect to justice.
How to Report Information
Anyone with information about Elpidio Reyna or his whereabouts is urged to contact the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office or submit a tip online via tips.fbi.gov. Informants may remain anonymous, and if their information leads to Reyna’s arrest and conviction, they could receive up to $50,000.
In the words of U.S. Attorney Essayli, “This was an unprovoked and dangerous act—one that will not go unanswered.” The hunt for Reyna continues, and with a powerful federal push behind it, it may only be a matter of time before the fugitive is found.
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