Hawley probes funding behind Los Angeles riots
Sen. Josh Hawley is cracking down on the cash fueling chaos in Los Angeles on Wednesday. The Missouri Republican launched a bold investigation into the funding of riots that have spiraled out of control in the City of Angels. It’s a move that’s got progressives squirming.
According to Breitbart News, Hawley, as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime & Terrorism, announced the probe targeting the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights. This group is accused of bankrolling and logistically supporting the protests-turned-riots. The investigation aims to follow the money and expose who’s pulling the strings.
Hawley’s not mincing words, calling the riots “lawless mob actions” that threaten public safety. He’s got subpoena power in his back pocket, and he’s ready to use it. This is no idle threat—it’s a conservative push to restore order.
Targeting the Coalition’s Role
The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights is in the hot seat. Hawley sent a pointed letter to its executive director, Angelica Salas, demanding the group preserve all communications, financial records, and grants tied to the protests. Failure to comply could land them in deeper trouble, possibly facing a criminal investigation.
“Bankrolling civil unrest is not protected speech,” Hawley warned, putting the coalition on notice. He’s framing their alleged support as aiding criminal conduct, not free expression. It’s a sharp jab at the progressive narrative that all protest is sacred.
Los Angeles has been a tinderbox, with protests escalating into violent riots. Hawley’s investigation zeros in on how these events went from free speech to felonious free-for-alls. The senator’s betting the coalition’s fingerprints are all over the chaos.
Subpoena Power in Play
The Senate Judiciary Subcommittee, under Hawley’s leadership, isn’t playing games. With subpoena power, they can dig deep into the coalition’s financial trail. This muscle gives the probe teeth, ensuring no stone is left unturned.
Hawley’s directive to the coalition is clear: preserve the evidence or face the consequences. “Failure to comply will result in additional action,” he stated, hinting at a potential criminal referral. It’s a high-stakes game of accountability.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is dodging blame. President Donald Trump claimed Bass and California Gov. Gavin Newsom “paid troublemakers,” a charge she called “absolutely absurd.” Her indignation rings hollow when riots rage on her watch.
Bass Rejects Trump’s Claims
Bass insists she’s been crystal clear that criminal behavior won’t be tolerated. “People will be arrested and prosecuted,” she declared, distancing herself from the vandalism and violence. Yet, her press conferences haven’t exactly restored peace to L.A.’s streets.
Trump’s accusation, while inflammatory, puts Bass in a tough spot. If she’s not funding troublemakers, who is? Hawley’s investigation might just answer that question, and Bass may not like the results.
The riots have disrupted federal law enforcement and endangered public safety, per Hawley’s assessment. He’s framing this as a breakdown of the rule of law, a conservative rallying cry. Progressives might call it a protest; Hawley calls it pandemonium.
Restoring Order or Overreach?
Hawley’s probe is a calculated move to rein in what he sees as unchecked lawlessness. “This lawlessness is unacceptable. It must end,” he insisted. It’s a stance that resonates with conservatives fed up with urban unrest.
Still, the investigation risks being seen as heavy-handed by those who view the protests as legitimate dissent. Hawley’s challenge is to expose illicit funding without trampling on free speech. He’s walking a tightrope, but he’s not backing down.
Turns out, actions have consequences, and Hawley’s making sure the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights feels the heat. His investigation could reshape the narrative around protest funding, forcing accountability where chaos once reigned. For now, Los Angeles waits, and the nation watches.