Los Angeles, CA – In a pivotal moment for the fight against racism, Robert Paul Rundo, a former Huntington Beach resident and alleged leader of the Rise Above Movement (RAM), pleaded guilty on September 13 to conspiracy to violate the federal Anti-Riot Act. This plea reveals the ongoing threat posed by white supremacist groups and their violent tactics at political rallies across California.
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada condemned Rundo’s actions, which were aimed at inciting riots to further a white supremacist agenda. “This defendant sought to incite riots and impede the constitutional rights of others,” he stated. “Safeguarding civil rights is central to our mission, and we will continue to unite with our communities against those who promote hate and divisiveness.”
Rundo, 34, admitted to coordinating violence through RAM, which engaged in organized training sessions for confrontations with counter-protesters. Evidence shows that Rundo and other members actively participated in violent assaults at rallies in Huntington Beach, Berkeley, and San Bernardino, often sharing their exploits on social media with hashtags glorifying their actions.
The events of March 2017 in Huntington Beach saw Rundo tackle and assault a protester, a tactic echoed at subsequent rallies. His online posts celebrating these violent acts illustrate the disturbing reality of how white supremacy manifests in physical aggression against marginalized communities.
Akil Davis, Assistant Director of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, emphasized the impact of such violence, stating, “Mr. Rundo’s cowardly acts have torn apart our communities.” He urged the public to report bias-motivated crimes, reinforcing the importance of collective action against hate.
Rundo faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison, with sentencing scheduled for December 13. Two other RAM members are also facing legal consequences, highlighting a broader effort to dismantle extremist networks that threaten social cohesion.
As anti-racist advocates, this case serves as a reminder of the work still needed to combat racism and support affected communities. We must remain vigilant, promoting solidarity and justice for all, and actively resist the ideologies that seek to divide us.