Early in the morning of June 21, 2025, a man threw a Molotov cocktail at a hotel near Los Angeles International Airport. The device landed in a shrub near the entrance and was quickly extinguished by hotel staff. Federal agents, including 27 from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), were staying inside at the time. Thankfully, no one was harmed nypost.com+10foxnews.com+10nypost.com+10.
Suspect Apprehended
The suspect, identified as 39‑year‑old Eric Anthony Rodriguez, a repeat offender, was arrested two days later. California authorities, along with LAPD and LAFD arson investigators, tracked him down near the hotel. He was taken into custody without incident nypost.com.
Charges Brought
Rodriguez is charged with possession of a destructive device and arson under California state law, as well as federal explosives charges. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin condemned the attack, calling Rodriguez a “coward” and vowed that those who threaten federal officers will be prosecuted to the fullest extent foxnews.com+1nypost.com+1.
Motivations and Context
The attack took place amid anti‑ICE protests in Los Angeles. McLaughlin stated that inflammatory political rhetoric had contributed to a 500% rise in assaults on ICE officers foxnews.com+1nypost.com+1. She also cited a similar recent Molotov attack on sheriff’s deputies during earlier riots, suggesting a pattern of growing hostility.
Defendant’s Criminal Record
Rodriguez has a criminal history spanning more than two decades, including convictions for robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, theft, vandalism, and parole violations. Most recently, in March 2024, he was convicted of first‑degree robbery nypost.comfoxnews.com+1nypost.com+1.
Official Reaction
“This coward threw a Molotov cocktail at a hotel… Thankfully, the attack was unsuccessful, and no one was injured,” stated McLaughlin. She emphasized that the rise in assaults against federal agents will be met with aggressive prosecution foxnews.com+1nypost.com+1.
Next Steps
Rodriguez remains in custody as charges proceed at both the state and federal levels. Investigators are examining video surveillance and preparing for court proceedings. DHS officials reaffirm their commitment to protecting federal personnel amid escalating threats.
This act of violence highlights the dangers faced by law enforcement and federal officials during politically charged times. Authorities continue to monitor potential threats, promising to hold perpetrators accountable for endangering public servants.
Read More About