Crime and consequence

Appalling. 

That’s how we describe the campaign of harassment against federal workers perpetrated by anti-ICE agitators. 

It needs to end now –– and law enforcement needs to prosecute those responsible.

Californians watched aghast on Friday night as ”peaceful” protests against ICE predictably turned violent.

The mob attacked federal officers, vandalized government property and caused chaos throughout downtown Los Angeles. 

The mob attacked federal officers, vandalized government property and caused chaos throughout downtown Los Angeles.  AFP via Getty Images

Now Bill Essayli, first assistant U.S. attorney for the Central District in California, has admirably stepped in and vowed to act.

There will be zero tolerance. 

“I have authorized federal officers to arrest anyone engaged in violence on the spot,” he said. 

Good; that sets the right tone. Now law enforcement needs to take the same approach to the Antifa thugs who have for months intimidated and abused federal workers leaving the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building.

“It feels like I’m in a war zone every day,” one worker told The California Post.

“I have authorized federal officers to arrest anyone engaged in violence on the spot,” Bill Essayli, first assistant U.S. attorney for the Central District in California, said. REUTERS

The agitators spit on cars, hurl racial slurs, and routinely record license plate details as part of a sustained effort to bully and intimidate, she added.

On one occasion, a man tossed molotov cocktails into the federal building, but dimly failed to light them.

Such attacks are unconscionable.

These cowards hide behind the First Amendment, claiming free speech gives them the right to heckle and harass. 

That’s ridiculous.

Every worker has the right to be safe and earn a living without daily torment by political agitators.

This leftist culture of violence and intimidation across America needs to end.

And where is Mayor Karen Bass? Why isn’t the LAPD protecting federal workers from assault?

Essayli has it right: Officers must arrest those who break the law and terrorize others.

Prosecutors should impose serious penalties.

Criminals need consequences, or they will never stop.