DOJ Loses Another Protest-Related Assault Case in California

Prosecutors fail to secure conviction in latest trial over alleged actions against federal officers

Apr. 20, 2026 at 3:05am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dynamic, abstract painting in shades of blue, gray, and black with overlapping, fractured geometric shapes and lines, conveying the chaotic energy of a political protest.The DOJ's string of losses in protest-related prosecutions reflects the challenges of policing civil unrest and the need for accountability around the use of force against demonstrators.Los Angeles Today

The U.S. Department of Justice has suffered another defeat in a California court, losing a case against a philosophy professor accused of assaulting federal officers during a protest. After just two hours of deliberation, a jury acquitted the professor, marking the DOJ's latest failure in a string of similar protest-related prosecutions across Los Angeles.

Why it matters

The DOJ's repeated losses in these cases raise questions about the department's strategy and the strength of the evidence in these protest-related prosecutions. The outcomes also highlight concerns over the use of force by federal agencies against demonstrators and the potential for civil rights violations.

The details

According to reports, the DOJ accused the philosophy professor of throwing tear gas at federal officers during an ICE-related protest. However, the defense argued the professor was acting in self-defense after law enforcement used tear gas on the crowd. After a brief jury deliberation, the professor was acquitted of the charges.

  • The protest incident occurred last year.
  • The trial took place last week.

The players

Department of Justice (DOJ)

The U.S. federal executive department responsible for enforcing the law and administering justice.

Philosophy Professor

The individual accused by the DOJ of assaulting federal officers during a protest in California.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The LA Times is reporting that, you know, they've filed more than 100 protest-related assault or interference cases. Zero convictions so far on the ones that they've brought to trial. They've lost every single one they've brought to trial. Add this to the list. It's another big Trump loss.”

— Shant Karnikian, Attorney

“I do wonder if this guy has filed the predicate to suing the federal government for using excessive force because he probably has a civil rights violation there.”

— Brian Kabateck, Attorney

What’s next

The philosophy professor may consider filing a civil rights lawsuit against the federal government over the use of force during the protest.

The takeaway

The DOJ's repeated failures in these protest-related prosecutions raise concerns about the department's tactics and the potential for civil rights violations by federal agencies against demonstrators. These outcomes underscore the importance of holding the government accountable and protecting the rights of citizens to peacefully assemble.