GOP senator to probe left-wing group over LA riots involvement

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) wants to know who is financially supporting rioters in Los Angeles and has launched a probe into one left-wing group based on “credible reporting.”

In a letter to the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), Hawley addressed what he sees as “coordinated” protests in the California city and his investigation into whether the organization may have an “alleged role in financially and materially supporting” the violent riots.

“Who is funding the LA riots? This violence isn’t spontaneous. As chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime & Terrorism, I’m launching an investigation to find out,” the GOP lawmaker wrote in a post on X.

Who is funding the LA riots? This violence isn’t spontaneous. As chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime & Terrorism, I’m launching an investigation to find out – pic.twitter.com/B4qaN8qbZP

— Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) June 11, 2025

The senator addressed reports that the group has provided “logistical support and financial resources to individuals engaged in these disruptive actions.”

“Let me be clear: bankrolling civil unrest is not protected speech. It is aiding and abetting criminal conduct. Accordingly, you must immediately cease and desist any further involvement in the organization, funding, or promotion of these unlawful activities,” Hawley wrote Wednesday in the letter addressed to CHIRLA Executive Director Angelica Salas.

Hawley emphasized that the riots “aren’t spontaneous at all” in an interview with Fox News host Jesse Watters.

“They’re about as authentic as astroturf. They are bought and paid for flashmobs, and I want to know who’s doing it,” he said on “Primetime.”

Our investigation into who is funding and organizing the LA riots is expanding pic.twitter.com/SqWG34wHLN

— Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) June 11, 2025

A CHIRLA rep told the New York Post in a statement: “We have not participated, coordinated, or been part of the protests being registered in Los Angeles other than the press conference and rally.”

Hawley’s letter requested financial documents, contracts, and any internal communications that CHRLA was part of in planning or funding the protests.

“Hawley also requested travel records for individuals involved with the organization if they have been reimbursed by CHIRLA, as well as the organization’s donor lists,” Fox News reported.

“IRS records obtained by Fox News show that CHIRLA has received $34 million in government grants, including three from former President Joe Biden’s administration for $750,000,” the outlet added, noting that President Donald Trump cut off that funding. “CHIRLA is also responsible for creating the so-called Rapid Response Network, the hotline immigrants use to report ICE raids. The network then sends text alerts, giving migrants an opportunity to hide.”

“While peaceful protest is a cornerstone of American democracy, these demonstrations have escalated into lawless mob actions,” Hawley’s letter stated.

“They have obstructed federal law enforcement, endangered public safety, and disrupted the rule of law. This lawlessness is unacceptable. It must end,” he added.