A man described as a “serial criminal” was arrested in Los Angeles on Tuesday after allegedly throwing a Molotov cocktail.
Eric Anthony Rodriguez, 39, a California native, reportedly launched this incendiary device at a hotel close to Los Angeles International Airport, where several agents from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency and customs and border protection were staying.
On Saturday, the Los Angeles Police Department got a call about a “burning device” after a witness saw a male suspect light and throw a Molotov cocktail at the hotel.
According to LAPD spokesperson Officer David Cuellar, the device luckily landed in some bushes, allowing hotel staff to extinguish the small fire without any injuries.
“These individuals threw Molotov cocktails at a hotel in Los Angeles where 27 DHS law enforcement officers were located,” stated Deputy Secretary of DHS, Tricia McLaughlin, in an official statement.
The LAPD’s major crime units are now collaborating with arson investigators to target Rodriguez, as confirmed by Cuellar.
Interestingly, he wasn’t linked to any significant events near the scene of the first attack that morning, according to Cuellar.
“Anyone who threatens the life of a federal officer will face serious consequences, and that’s precisely what will happen to Rodriguez,” remarked McLaughlin.
Rodriguez is now facing charges from the Los Angeles County District Attorney for one count of using destructive equipment and one count of arson.
McLaughlin characterized Rodriguez as a serial offender who is now experiencing the repercussions for threatening federal law enforcement.
She also noted a concerning trend, claiming that dangerous rhetoric from politicians has incited violence against federal law enforcement, with assaults on ICE agents increasing significantly.
Law enforcement reported that Rodriguez has a lengthy criminal record, spanning over two decades, including a felony conviction in 2004 for handling stolen property. He was again convicted in 2024 and had multiple felony charges during that period.
Sources indicated that he was on parole and violated it when he was detained.
Additionally, recently on June 7, another individual, Emiliano Garduno Garvez, was arrested for throwing a Molotov cocktail at a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy during a series of riots against ICE.
Garvez, who had been previously deported, faced arrests two times in 2024 but was released due to California’s sanctuary laws.
McLaughlin stressed, “These types of criminals are exactly whom we are trying to guard against. The unrest in Los Angeles won’t deter our efforts.”
