Calls for an investigation into the financial backing of the Los Angeles riots reached Capitol Hill on Wednesday, with Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) becoming the first Republican to publicly push for a probe.
The unrest erupted after a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raid over the weekend, leading to days of violent demonstrations in the city. Footage has shown rioters wearing expensive protective gear—including face shields and headphones—raising questions about how the equipment was supplied. Even prominent local media outlets have criticized the organized nature of the demonstrations.
As chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism, Hawley announced he intends to launch a formal inquiry. “Who is funding the LA riots? This violence isn’t spontaneous,” he wrote on social media.
In a letter sent to the executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, Hawley cited the group’s receipt of federal funds under the Biden administration and its alleged connection to several rallies. He warned that while peaceful protest is a constitutional right, the escalation into violent confrontations with law enforcement cannot be tolerated.
Hawley’s subcommittee is seeking extensive documentation, including financial records, donor lists, hotel and travel data, and communications related to protest planning. The senator emphasized that noncompliance could lead to referrals for criminal investigation.
But new revelations suggest that one of the most influential players in the Los Angeles demonstrations may be far more deeply connected to political and financial networks than many realized…
