A former Huntington Beach resident, Robert Paul Rundo, has been sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for his involvement in planning and participating in riots at political rallies across California. The sentencing was delivered by United States District Judge Josephine L. Staton.
Rundo, aged 34, had previously pleaded guilty on September 13 to a single count of conspiracy to violate the federal Anti-Riot Act. His actions were linked to promoting a white-supremacist ideology through violence at political gatherings.
United States Attorney Martin Estrada stated, "This defendant sought to further his white-supremacist ideology by plotting riots and engaging in violence at political rallies." He emphasized the importance of protecting civil and constitutional rights against divisive ideologies.
The FBI's Los Angeles Field Office Assistant Director in Charge, Akil Davis, remarked on the investigation that led to Rundo's accountability: "After a lengthy investigation, during which the defendant became an international fugitive, Mr. Rundo has now been held accountable for his criminal activity which was motivated by his extremist dogma."
From March 2017 to May 2018, Rundo participated in an organization later known as the “Rise Above Movement” (RAM), which portrayed itself as part of a nationalist and white supremacy identity movement. RAM members attended rallies with intentions of inciting violence. Rundo organized training sessions for violent physical confrontations through various communication channels.
At events such as those held on March 25, 2017, in Huntington Beach and April 15, 2017, in Berkeley, RAM members engaged violently with others present. Following these incidents, they shared celebratory posts online showcasing their assaults.
In addition to Rundo's sentencing, two other individuals face charges related to this case. Robert Boman from Torrance is scheduled for trial on February 18, 2025; he faces charges of conspiracy to violate the Anti-Riot Act and rioting. Tyler Laube from Redondo Beach pleaded guilty last year and received a fine alongside time already served.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force spearheaded the investigation into this case. Prosecutors Kathrynne N. Seiden and Anna P. Boylan are handling proceedings under the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section.