Full Breakdown
Punch at Los Angeles “Stop the Steal” Rally Involves Pardoned Jan. 6 Rioter
7/11/2026, 5:55:25 AM
Incident at Los Angeles “Stop the Steal” Rally
On July 10, rallygoers recorded a man punching a woman outside the federal courthouse at 312 N. Spring St. in downtown Los Angeles during a “Stop the Steal” rally. Los Angeles Police Department logged multiple battery reports from the scene, but as of publication no arrest had been confirmed in connection with the alleged punch.
Background of Jon Mellis
The individual identified by attendees as Jon Mellis is a pardoned participant in the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. In 2023 he pleaded guilty to repeatedly striking and stabbing police officers with a wooden stick. He also carries a prior felony conviction for conspiracy to manufacture or sell methamphetamine, a crime that originally resulted in a 20-year prison sentence before a presidential pardon.
Rally Organization and Key Figures
The rally was organized by Jake Lang, a pardoned Jan. 6 rioter, who announced the event on X on behalf of Spencer Pratt, a reality-TV personality who placed third in the Los Angeles mayoral primary in June. Pratt has repeatedly claimed the election was stolen. Elon Musk amplified Pratt’s claim, writing, “California has legalized election fraud.” Pratt also met with former President Donald Trump at the White House earlier in the week.
Law-Enforcement Response
LAPD radio traffic confirmed receipt of battery reports, but no suspect has been taken into custody. The department’s public statements have been limited to acknowledging the reports and continuing its investigation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “BREAKING: The CRUSADERS are RETURNING TO LA!!!!! We are holding a 'STOP THE STEAL' Rally for SPENCER PRATT outside of the US courthouse on July 10th!!!! Democrats are STEALING THE ELECTION in Los Angeles!!!” — Jake Lang, pardoned Jan. 6 rioter
- “As expected, things have gone completely nuts. JON MELLIS IS PUNCHING WOMEN AND THE PRESS! Some kid protecting Jake Lang has a taser. It's madness.” — Brianne Chapman, D.C. activist
- “California has legalized election fraud,” — Elon Musk, Tesla CEO
- “In 2023, Mellis pleaded guilty to using a wooden stick to strike and stab police officers on Jan.” — National Public Radio report (summarized)
