WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department is investigating whether leaders in the Black Lives Matter movement defrauded donors who contributed tens of millions of dollars during racial justice protests in 2020, according to multiple people familiar with the matter.
In recent weeks, federal law enforcement officials have issued subpoenas and at least one search warrant as part of an investigation into the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, Inc. and other Black-led organizations that helped spark a national reckoning on systemic racism. It is not clear if the investigation would lead to criminal charges, but its existence invites fresh scrutiny regarding the public accounting of donations received by the movement.
Federal investigations into BLM finances were initiated during the Biden administration but have gained renewed attention during Trump's presidency. The foundation stated it has taken in over $90 million in donations since the 2020 murder of George Floyd, which ignited worldwide protests.
Despite a lack of findings from previous investigations, critics allege that BLM leaders have been opaque regarding how donations were used, particularly after it was disclosed that $6 million was used to buy a property in Los Angeles. Foundation leaders denied any wrongdoing, asserting their commitment to transparency and accountability.
The investigation is being run out of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California. Its fallout could impact BLM's reputation and its ongoing advocacy for civil rights and social justice.
In recent weeks, federal law enforcement officials have issued subpoenas and at least one search warrant as part of an investigation into the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, Inc. and other Black-led organizations that helped spark a national reckoning on systemic racism. It is not clear if the investigation would lead to criminal charges, but its existence invites fresh scrutiny regarding the public accounting of donations received by the movement.
Federal investigations into BLM finances were initiated during the Biden administration but have gained renewed attention during Trump's presidency. The foundation stated it has taken in over $90 million in donations since the 2020 murder of George Floyd, which ignited worldwide protests.
Despite a lack of findings from previous investigations, critics allege that BLM leaders have been opaque regarding how donations were used, particularly after it was disclosed that $6 million was used to buy a property in Los Angeles. Foundation leaders denied any wrongdoing, asserting their commitment to transparency and accountability.
The investigation is being run out of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California. Its fallout could impact BLM's reputation and its ongoing advocacy for civil rights and social justice.
