A masked individual caught on camera throwing bricks at federal law enforcement during the Los Angeles anti-ICE riots has been identified by the FBI, according to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi.

According to a New York Post report, Bondi announced the development on Monday during an appearance on Fox News with Sean Hannity, warning other participants in the violent demonstrations that they cannot escape justice.

The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Elpidio Reyna, was caught breaking cinder blocks into smaller pieces and throwing them at federal officers. A spokesperson for the FBI's Los Angeles field office confirmed to The Post that Reyna has been identified but is not yet in custody as authorities actively search for his whereabouts.

Assault on federal officers

U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli from the Central District of California publicly named the suspect on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, where he posted about the ongoing search.

Essayli stated that Reyna "can run, but he can't hide," noting that the suspect faces charges of assault on a federal officer for his actions during Saturday's violent confrontation. If convicted, Reyna could face up to eight years in federal prison.

The FBI had offered a substantial reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the suspect. This significant sum reflects the seriousness with which federal authorities are treating attacks on law enforcement during the ongoing unrest.

Video evidence captures violent attack

Video footage of the incident shows the suspect striking at least eight different law enforcement vehicles as they traveled down Alondra Boulevard. In the footage, the man can be seen hurling bricks at the vehicles while other protesters encouraged him in Spanish.

The FBI released several photographs showing the suspect wearing distinctive clothing, including a motorcycle helmet, sunglasses, a face covering, and a hat. These images helped lead to his identification through what Bondi described as "great police work by the FBI."

The attorney general warned others involved in the riots that federal authorities would pursue charges against anyone who assaulted police officers, engaged in looting, or damaged property during the unrest. "If you assault a police officer, if you rob a store, if you loot, if you spit on a police officer, we're coming after you," Bondi stated.

Federal response to ongoing riots

Bondi revealed that federal authorities currently have nine open cases related to assaults on federal officers, with more investigations expected. She expressed determination to enforce the law regardless of local or state officials' actions.

The attorney general criticized the conditions in Los Angeles during the anti-ICE riots, saying, "Look at it out there: It looks like a Third World country and it's not. It's the United States of America. We are not standing for it."

The riots erupted in response to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in the Los Angeles area. Protests have descended into chaos in several locations, with some demonstrators targeting federal agents and damaging government property.

Why This Story Matters

This incident is a significant reminder of the dangers law enforcement and civilians face during periods of civil unrest. The federal government’s efforts to identify and prosecute violent actors demonstrate a commitment to upholding public safety and the rule of law. It also underscores the tension between local governance and federal response when order breaks down, raising questions about how far public demonstrations should be allowed to go before intervention becomes necessary. As more cases surface from this investigation, citizens and public leaders alike will need to confront how best to balance lawful protest with public safety.

Conclusion

Federal officials have identified Elpidio Reyna, 40, as the masked protester who assaulted officers with broken cinderblocks during anti-ICE riots in Paramount. Accused of federal crimes, including assault and property damage, Reyna remains on the run amid an active FBI manhunt. The incident, which took place on Saturday, was captured in chilling footage showing Reyna striking government vehicles as a crowd encouraged him.

Attorney General Pam Bondi and U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli have vowed to bring Reyna to justice, warning others involved in similar acts that the law will be enforced. The FBI has released a most-wanted poster and offered a $50,000 reward for leads. To date, nine federal assault cases are under active review, with more expected to follow.