Federal agents were forced to retreat after a violent, anti-ICE protester allegedly brandished a fake gun during unruly protests in Los Angeles — the latest in a slew of violent disruptors against law enforcement.
Peter Escalante Hernandez was a part of a wild mob outside Roybal Federal Building early Saturday morning, throwing glass and plastic bottles at Federal Protective Service agents, according to a charging document obtained by The California Post.
Federal agents attempted to apprehend Hernandez and a foot pursuit started. During the pursuit, Hernandez “brandished what appeared to be a firearm,” forcing officers to abandon the pursuit, according to the document.
However, a short time later, Hernandez returned to the scene of the protest where he was arrested and federal officers recovered a replica firearm, the document said. Hernandez has since been charged with assaulting a federal officer.
US Attorney Bill Essayli, whose office has ramped up the prosecution of law enforcement agitators, told The Post Hernandez’s arrest is just another example of the dangers facing law enforcement.
“These are not peaceful protestors, they are criminal actors. It’s unfortunate that increased law enforcement presence and safety barriers around our buildings are necessary to protect our attorneys, officers, and staff. We will not hesitate to deploy all necessary resources to keep our people and buildings secured,” he said.
Hernandez joins a list of more than 100 unruly Californians who have been arrested for shoving, doxxing and even throwing Molotov cocktails at federal agents since Homeland Security swarmed California last spring.
“Everyone has First Amendment rights, but there is a line. If you touch an agent, impeded them, or assist a fugitive, those are crimes,” Essayli told The Post.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
