The FBI is searching for Ronald Watson, a man accused of participating in the destruction of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Atlanta, Georgia, during riots in 2020. Authorities allege that Watson was part of a group that caused over $78,000 in damage using various weapons, including Molotov cocktails. The FBI did not connect Watson to the incident until his 2023 conviction in Oregon for unrelated charges, which included theft and assaulting a public safety officer.
Watson, who has petitioned to change his name to Emily Smith, is wanted for his alleged role in the attack and is listed on the FBI's wanted page, which offers a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to his arrest. Investigators matched Watson's DNA to blood found at the scene of the Atlanta riot, prompting renewed efforts to locate him. The FBI's investigation has been ongoing since the incident, and Watson's case has drawn attention due to his alleged radicalization and anti-government activities.
In addition to the charges related to the ICE facility, Watson has been linked to social media posts that allegedly encouraged violence against ICE agents. The FBI continues to seek public assistance in finding Watson, who may have altered his appearance.