Los Angeles — Left-wing extremists and Antifa militants stormed a Catholic church Sunday, disrupting a free speech and anti-Islam rally before chasing the organizer into a nearby Starbucks and assaulting him by covering him and his companion in blue paint, according to video and reporting from independent journalist Andy Ngo.
Right-wing activist Eoin Richard, described as a Jake Lang affiliate, was hosting the event at Precious Blood Catholic Church on August 23. Richard had reportedly attempted a protest near an Islamic center earlier that failed to gain traction. Counter-protesters then targeted the church gathering, labeling Richard a “Nazi” to justify their aggression.
Video footage circulating online shows Richard being removed from the church. Protesters pursued him down the street into a Starbucks, where one or more individuals doused him and a companion in blue paint inside the coffee shop. Police were called and arrived on scene, escorting the paint-covered Richard out of the establishment. No arrests were made.
Ngo reported: “Left-wing extremists and Antifa stormed the Precious Blood Catholic Church, where right-wing activist Eoin Richard was hosting a free speech, anti-Islam rally. Counter-protesters chased him from the church and into a Starbucks. They assaulted him and covered him in paint. They call him a ‘Nazi’ to justify the violence.”
The incident highlights ongoing clashes in Los Angeles, where conservative and free-speech advocates frequently face aggressive counter-demonstrators who employ intimidation and physical attacks. Critics of the city’s progressive leadership argue that lenient policies toward left-wing extremism embolden such groups, allowing violence against political opponents to go largely unchecked.
Richard, who identifies as a free speech advocate and has organized similar events, was left visibly covered in paint as officers guided him from the Starbucks. Footage also captured blue paint on a bystander’s camera, underscoring the chaotic scene.
This latest episode fits a pattern of Antifa-linked disruptions targeting churches, rallies, and public spaces in deep-blue cities. Free speech advocates warn that branding opponents as “Nazis” or “terrorists” has become a standard pretext for physical assaults, eroding the ability of Americans to gather and express dissenting views without fear of mob violence.
Los Angeles police have not issued a detailed public statement on the lack of arrests as of early Monday. The episode has drawn sharp condemnation from conservatives online, who question whether similar tolerance would be shown if the roles were reversed.
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