A federal criminal complaint has been filed against Raul Gutierrez, a 33-year-old man from Minneapolis, accused of breaking into an Federal Bureau of Investigation vehicle and stealing a rifle during civil unrest earlier this month. He faces charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm and theft of government property, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota. Authorities say Gutierrez is a known member of the Latin Kings gang with a history of fentanyl and methamphetamine trafficking.
Officials from the Drug Enforcement Administration identified Gutierrez through video footage showing him removing a rifle from the abandoned FBI vehicle during the January 14 incident. Law enforcement described him as a violent offender and said a coordinated effort between federal agencies and a Violent Offender Task Force led to his arrest. The incident occurred while FBI agents were assisting the Department of Homeland Security during an operation, forcing them to temporarily leave vehicles that were later looted by individuals in the crowd.
The case comes amid broader tensions in Minnesota, including ongoing immigration enforcement actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and protests following a recent fatal shooting involving an ICE agent. Officials emphasized the difference between peaceful protest and criminal activity, warning that those involved in violence or destruction of federal property will face prosecution. Authorities also indicated that further arrests could be made related to recent protest disruptions in the area.