A man has been arrested and charged with assaulting a federal officer after allegedly shooting paintballs at him during protests in downtown Los Angeles last week.
Edwin Osvaldo Manriquez is accused of firing a paintball gun and hitting a Federal Protective Service officer multiple times on June 9, as tensions flared near the Federal Building on Los Angeles Street.
According to an affidavit filed by the FBI, the officer was stationed at the entrance of the Federal Building to prevent protesters from entering the premises.
While the officer was protected by a helmet and gear, he was struck on various parts of his body, including the head, left ear, cheek, neck, and shoulder.
Witnesses reported seeing Manriquez in the passenger seat of a white 2005 Infiniti G35 coupe when he discharged the paintball gun.
After firing the weapon, he allegedly threw a hand sign with his left hand while still holding the paintball gun in his right hand, as both he and the driver wore face coverings.
Law enforcement officials managed to trace Manriquez and the driver after capturing the vehicle’s license plate on video.
Following the identification, FBI agents secured a warrant and conducted a search of the driver’s residence, where they discovered the paintball gun used in the incident stored in the garage, along with paintballs found in the car.
During the investigation, the suspect confessed to the FBI that he was driving the vehicle when the paintball gun rounds were fired.
Text messages exchanged between Manriquez and the driver later revealed the driver’s apprehension about the shooting incident.
In one exchange, the driver expressed his disagreement with Manriquez’s actions, stating, “[I]f they come for me for that paintball … I’m sorry bruh but I ain’t going to jail.”
Manriquez, however, responded defiantly, asserting, “[T]hey ain’t [gonna] get us … we had our face covered.”
The driver reiterated his concern, saying, “I told u not to shoot them bruh they not part of immigration,” to which Manriquez replied, “And u literally shot one in the face bro … better hope they don’t come to me.”
Manriquez was taken into custody on Friday and appeared before a federal magistrate on Monday.
After the arraignment, he was released on bond and is now under home monitoring, according to Laura Eimiller, an FBI spokesperson.
This incident is one of many among ongoing protests across the nation, with several individuals facing federal charges for various offenses tied to activities during these demonstrations.
In addition to Manriquez’s case, allegations against others include throwing cinder blocks and hurling a Molotov cocktail at law enforcement officers.
In a related case, David Huerta, the president of Service Employees International Union California, was arrested while documenting an immigration enforcement raid in downtown Los Angeles.
Federal authorities reported that Huerta obstructed their operations by deliberately blocking their vehicles, impeding agents in executing a search warrant in the area.
Video footage from the scene depicts Huerta being pushed by officers in riot gear, leading to him falling backward and striking his head on the curb.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman is also pursuing charges against individuals accused of engaging in violence against police, vandalizing property, and committing robbery during the protests.
Hochman emphasized the importance of protecting the right to peaceful assembly while also assuring the public that severe consequences await those who participate in violent or destructive behavior.
image source from：https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-06-17/man-arrested-for-allegedly-shooting-paintballs-at-officer-during-downtown-l-a-unrest
