Los Angeles broadcasters were caught off guard Monday night when live coverage revealed what appeared to be an organized distribution of riot gear during the fourth consecutive night of protests in the city.
The incident was reported by KTTV Fox 11, where anchors and field reporters described in real-time the moment when a truckload of boxes—initially believed to contain food or water—was found to be full of face shields and other protective equipment.
During the live segment, correspondent Matthew Seedorff reported from the field, stating, “Look at this, we have people right now dropping off food and water. Preparations are underway for what could be a long night right now.”
In the studio, anchor Christine Devine responded, initially believing the group was delivering supplies for peaceful protestors.
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“It looks like an organized rally,” she said.
But co-anchor Elex Michaelson noticed something different.
“What are those boxes?” he asked.
Devine replied, “Are those masks?”
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“That doesn’t look like food and water,” Michaelson added.
Seedorff then confirmed, “No, those are masks. So people are prepping for some sort of altercation with police as we speak.”
Another Fox L.A. correspondent described parts of the protest as having a “festive atmosphere,” with some older individuals present, but Michaelson noted the contrast.
“You probably don’t put on a mask unless you have a plan of not wanting somebody to see your face.”
The discovery raised concerns about the level of coordination and resources involved in the demonstrations, which have escalated into riots since federal authorities carried out immigration enforcement operations in Los Angeles.
BREAKING:
Do you know this man?He is dropping off face masks, gas masks, and other riot gear in Los Angeles tonight.Lets ID him.Its the first step to finding out who's funding the riots.Share please. pic.twitter.com/G9CoT6389v— Mila Joy (@MilaLovesJoe) June 10, 2025
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino began releasing names and images of individuals wanted for assaults on federal officers.
Among them is Elpidio Reyna, 40, of Compton, California, who is wanted in connection with an alleged assault on a federal officer during Saturday’s unrest in Paramount.
WANTED: Elpidio Reyna can run, but he can’t hide. He threw rocks at federal officers leaving a command post in Paramount on Saturday, a brazen attack caught on film and that could have resulted in deaths. Reyna, 40, is charged with assault on a federal officer, and faces up to… pic.twitter.com/YYgqRxo73a
— U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli (@USAttyEssayli) June 10, 2025
The FBI is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to his arrest.
Elpidio Reyna, 40, of Compton, is wanted for assaulting a federal officer by throwing rocks and improvised explosives at federal agents in their vehicles. He faces up to 8 years in prison.
The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to his capture. pic.twitter.com/2owDZyArVF— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 11, 2025
On Sunday, President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of 2,000 California National Guard troops to Los Angeles.
According to the Western Journal, the National Guard was mobilized “to temporarily protect ICE and other United States Government personnel who are performing Federal functions, including the enforcement of Federal law, and to protect Federal property.”
Fox News correspondent Bill Melugin reported that some protesters were seen receiving “earplugs, gas masks, and water bottles,” noting that many of the water bottles were “not to drink,” but rather “being thrown” at law enforcement officers.
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Conservative journalist Nick Sortor also reported on the distribution of protective equipment, stating that the face shields being handed out appeared to cost “$60+ each.”
Sorter questioned the source of the funding, writing, “There is NOTHING organic about this. WHO IS FUNDING IT?”
#BREAKING: Rioters are being given earplugs, gas masks, and water bottles to throw at police, per @BillMelugin_
FOX LA also reporting TRUCKLOADS of bionic shields, which cost $60+ each, are being delivered to rioters.There is NOTHING organic about this. WHO IS FUNDING IT? pic.twitter.com/kkjZIR9qES— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) June 10, 2025
Some protests have been organized or supported by the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), a nonprofit that received tens of millions of dollars in federal grants during the Biden-Harris administration.
According to DHA's Tricia McLaughlin, those grants were canceled in March.
Under @POTUS Trump and @Sec_Noem we terminated this in March. pic.twitter.com/QWcnzjxrAN
— Tricia McLaughlin (@TriciaOhio) June 8, 2025
According to the Department of Homeland Security, the demonstrations have now escalated beyond protest.
DHS reports describe multiple assaults on immigration officers, widespread vandalism of public buildings, and acts of property destruction, including the slashing of vehicle tires.
As of Monday night, federal and state authorities remain deployed across the city, with officials continuing to monitor the situation and track individuals involved in violence against government personnel and property.
No timeline has been announced for the withdrawal of National Guard troops.
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