Federal prosecutors begin arrests of violent protesters following clashes at L.A. Courthouse during ‘No Kings’ rally

(L) A No Kings protester. (Photo via: F.A. United States Attorney Bill Essayli) / (Background) Assistant US Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli speaks on January 9, 2026, in Los Angeles, California.

 In response to violence against federal officers and property during Saturday’s “No Kings” protest in downtown Los Angeles — where demonstrators threw projectiles at personnel near the U.S. Courthouse and Metropolitan Detention Center — First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli publicly warned on social media that federal agents have begun arresting those who assaulted personnel.

Essayli noted that his office had authorized immediate arrests for such assaults, and that individuals caught on video throwing concrete blocks and other projectiles would be identified, arrested, and charged with federal felonies. Investigations into potential additional federal charges remain ongoing as of Monday.

“Federal agents have started arresting those who assaulted our personnel at the Los Angeles courthouse. To those who were smashing concrete blocks and throwing them at our officers, we have you on video. We will find you and arrest you too. You’ve been warned,” Essayli announced on X.

Federal agents have started arresting those who assaulted our personnel at the Los Angeles courthouse. To those who were smashing concrete blocks and throwing them at our officers, we have you on video. We will find you and arrest you too. You’ve been warned. pic.twitter.com/kfegm6As3h

 — F.A. United States Attorney Bill Essayli (@USAttyEssayli) March 29, 2026

On Saturday, a confrontation occurred at the U.S. Courthouse and Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles during a chaotic “No Kings” protest against the Trump administration.

While the primary demonstration at Gloria Molina Grand Park started out somewhat “tame,” a far-left splinter group escalated the situation by targeting the federal complex with concrete blocks and other projectiles, leading the LAPD to issue a citywide tactical alert and a formal dispersal order. Federal agents deployed tear gas and pepper balls to defend the buildings, resulting in at least 75 arrests and injuries to two officers.

 The announcement signals a “zero-tolerance” shift in how the Department of Justice (DOJ) plans to handle interference with federal judicial operations.

 

Acting in coordination with the FBI and the U.S. Marshals Service, Essayli confirmed that federal agents have begun a sweep of arrests targeting individuals accused of assaulting courthouse personnel and law enforcement officers. Additionally, investigators are also reviewing surveillance footage to identify further suspects involved in the unrest.

By initiating these arrests, the DOJ is signaling that any physical interference with the functions of the federal judiciary will be met with the full force of federal prosecution.

Meanwhile, the investigation underlying these charges was notably comprehensive, utilizing “high-resolution surveillance footage and body-worn camera recordings” to identify suspects involved.

 

Court documents have also stated that the assaults were not merely incidental “scuffles,” as suggested by mainstream media outlets, but rather, violence involving the use of improvised projectiles — such as fireworks, chunks of concrete, and frozen water bottles — against federal marshals. At the time, multiple court security officers sustained injuries while defending the building’s perimeter.

Essayli further emphasized that while the First Amendment protects the right to protest, it does not provide a shield for battery or the intimidation of judicial staff. Under federal statutes like 18 U.S.C. § 111, those found guilty of assaulting federal officers, particularly when involving weapons or resulting in bodily harm, face severe penalties, including up to 20 years in prison.

While local California jurisdictions have often trended toward “cite-and-release” policies and extremely low bail amounts, federal prosecution offers a much more rigorous legal path, including the prospect of long-term incarceration in federal penitentiaries.

 

Nevertheless, Essayli maintains that the arrests are strictly evidence-based and focused on physical violence rather than the underlying political messages. As digital forensic teams continue to analyze evidence, the U.S. Attorney’s Office expects to execute additional warrants.