The Justice Department is looking into whether Black Lives Matter (BLM) misled donors who contributed millions during the 2020 racial justice protests, as reported by the Associated Press.
Federal officials issued subpoenas and search warrants as part of their examination of the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, which played a significant role in the protests that followed George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis in May 2020, according to unnamed sources.
In some cities, these protests led to tragic incidents, including fatalities and extensive property damage.
As noted by the Associated Press:
The potential for criminal charges remains uncertain, but the investigation has raised new questions about a movement that has faced scrutiny regarding its donations in recent years. There’s a growing concern that the Trump administration could target various progressive groups critical of its policies, including BLM and those advocating for transgender rights and anti-ICE actions.
The Justice Department opted not to comment on the report from Thursday.
An Associated Press source indicated that the investigation was actually initiated during the Biden administration but has gained more attention following the Trump administration.
The BLM Foundation reported raising over $90 million in donations after the widely publicized death of Floyd, who was seen struggling to breathe while a police officer knelt on his neck, ultimately leading to a murder conviction for the officer involved.
Critics have claimed that the nonprofit hasn’t been transparent about how donations are allocated. In 2022, scrutiny intensified after it was disclosed that part of the funds financed a $6 million home in Los Angeles, complete with numerous amenities.
At that time, co-founder Patrice Cullors acknowledged that the group’s funds were used for private events, and BLM leadership subsequently resigned in 2023.
The Associated Press also mentioned that earlier inquiries into the organization’s finances did not find evidence of fraud. The BLM Foundation declared assets totaling $28 million for the fiscal year ending June 2024, based on its latest federal filing.
Currently, the investigation is being managed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California in Los Angeles.
In a statement to the Associated Press, the foundation asserted that it is “not the subject of any federal criminal investigation.”
“We continue to commit to full transparency, accountability, and responsible management of the resources aimed at creating a better future for Black communities,” the foundation reiterated.
The phrase “Black Lives Matter” emerged in 2013 following George Zimmerman’s acquittal in the shooting death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in Florida.
The slogan gained national and later global recognition in the wake of Michael Brown’s death in Ferguson, Missouri, which became a rallying point for social justice advocates.
