California man pleads guilty to inciting riots at rallies

Robert Rundo, a 34-year-old man from Huntington Beach, California, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the federal Anti-Riot Act in downtown Los Angeles. His plea follows a lengthy legal battle, including a unanimous decision by the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to reinstate a federal indictment against him. Rundo was extradited from Romania after evading authorities for nearly a year. Sentencing is scheduled for December 13, with prosecutors recommending a maximum of two years in prison. Rundo is identified as a founding member of a now-defunct organization that promoted a militant form of white supremacy. The indictment alleges that he and his associates engaged in violent attacks against counter-protesters during peaceful rallies across California. The FBI's Los Angeles field office condemned Rundo's actions as cowardly and unprovoked, highlighting the impact of his violence on victims and the community. The legal proceedings against Rundo faced challenges, including a previous dismissal of charges by a judge who argued that the Anti-Riot Act was overly broad. This dismissal was overturned by the appeals court, which noted that Rundo and his co-defendant acted like leaders of an organized crime group, coordinating training and planning violent actions. In contrast, the court found no evidence of similar organization among far-left groups like Antifa. The case has raised concerns about selective prosecution and viewpoint discrimination, as Rundo's defense argued that members of Antifa engaged in similar violent behavior without facing similar legal consequences. The outcome of Rundo's sentencing will be closely watched as it reflects ongoing tensions surrounding political protests and the legal system's response to political violence.