Full Breakdown
West Hollywood Couple’s Confrontation with a Self-Described “MAGA Influencer”
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
In April 2026, David Vulin, 32, and his husband Anthony Vulin were walking with their infant son Ante on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood when conservative streamer Ryley Niemi approached them. After the Vulins attempted to leave, David Vulin shoved Niemi and later punched him in the head. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department arrested Vulin on suspicion of battery and vandalism.
Background & Context
Ryley Niemi describes himself online as a political activist and “MAGA influencer” whose short-form videos frequently target LGBTQ + individuals. His content often includes provocative street interviews that blur the line between journalism and harassment.
Timeline
- April 2026 – The confrontation and subsequent assault occur on Santa Monica Boulevard.
- October 22 2026 (scheduled) – The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is slated to issue a decision on whether criminal charges will be filed, with the case reportedly referred for a pre-filing diversion program.
Data & Statistics
- A GoFundMe campaign launched after the incident raised more than $71,000 in its early days and later surpassed $212,000.
- Niemi’s Instagram account, where he posted the original video, lists over 73,000 followers.
Official Statements & Responses
- R.J. Dreiling, attorney for David Vulin, confirmed that Vulin completed the terms of a pre-filing diversion agreement but declined to discuss its specifics.
- A spokeswoman for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said the case was referred for pre-filing diversion and that criminal charges are not expected to be filed, with the final decision scheduled for October 22.
- A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge agreed to seal all arrest records related to the incident.
- Anthony Vulin later told CNN that the family felt “exploited” and called for broader kindness across political lines.
Why It Matters / Impact
Anthony Vulin announced that he is working with state legislators on a bill aimed at holding “rage-bait creators” accountable for the harm their content may cause. The proposed legislation would seek to address incidents where provocative online content leads to real-world confrontations.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Los Angeles Times, PinkNews, and NY Post report that criminal charges have already been dismissed following the diversion agreement.
- The date ledger indicates that the decision on filing charges is scheduled for October 22, suggesting the outcome may not yet be final.
- No public details of the diversion agreement have been released, leaving the specific conditions of Vulin’s compliance unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We were targeted in a way that was deeply upsetting and destabilizing for our family,” — Anthony Vulin