FBI arrests three Antifa members for looting Target store in Austin

KSAT reports that three people, understood to be members of Antifa, for looting, burglarizing, and damaging property at a Target retailer in the Texas city.

According to the FBI, the crimes occurred on May 31 at the onset of protests to abolish the police in the wake of the death of George Floyd during an arrest in Minneapolis, MN. Authorities say that the looting was broadcast on Facebook Live.

The three individuals were identified by the FBI as Lisa Hogan, 27; Samuel Miller, 22; and Skye Elder, 23. All three are residents of Austin. FBI officials said that Hogan used Facebook Live from the scene to antagonize others into joining the looting and is charged with Riot and Burglary of a Building. Miller is accused of destroying and ripping out surveillance cameras at the store and is charged with Criminal Mischief and Burglary of a Building. Elder is charged with Burglary of a building.

Bonds have been set for $25,000 per charge.

“The violence, threat to life, and destruction of property we have seen in Austin and other parts of the country, jeopardizes the rights and safety of all citizens, including peaceful demonstrators,” said Special Agent in Charge, Christopher Combs, FBI San Antonio, per KSAT.

“While I fully support the rights of freedom of speech and assembly, I cannot tolerate the subversion of peaceful protest by engaging in wanton destruction and theft," Travis County District Attorney Margaret Moore said in a statement to the press. "These arrests are important to protecting not only the property owners, but, even more importantly, the peaceful protesters whose message should be heard.”

The FBI said that the three individuals arrested were part of a group of “about 20 people” who ripped open the plywood barricades on the doors, shattered the glass and broke into the store. Austin PD’s Special Response Team arrived to arrest the three during the process of the looting spree and took the arrested the three suspects.

The FBI is currently calling on the public to share information, including photographs and video evidence of any other individuals participating in violence and looting.