Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, on Tuesday pressed lawmakers to target the funding networks behind protests at Charlie Kirk memorials, arguing that money flows to groups that organize violent demonstrations. At a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Cruz said the Department of Justice should have tools to pursue Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act charges against individuals and organizations that back these protests. He also cited the assassination of the conservative activist as a horrific example of politically motivated violence and urged investigators to follow the money. FBI Director Kash Patel, the committee’s lead witness, signaled support for the measure, telling lawmakers that criminal funding networks deserve scrutiny.
Cruz’s push centers on the Financial Underwriting of Nefarious Demonstrations and Extremist Riots, or STOP FUNDERs, Act, a bill he introduced in July that would broaden RICO to cover those who fund violent demonstrations. The legislation targets funding streams that Cruz says fuel riots, including anti-ICE demonstrations in California and antisemitic protests that have plagued college campuses since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. Cruz framed the issue as one of accountability, arguing that authorities must “follow the money” to deter organizers and financiers of violence at vigils and memorial events. Since Kirk’s death last week, local and campus police have arrested a number of students and demonstrators who disrupted vigils and memorials, Cruz noted.
During the hearing, Patel offered a tempered endorsement of Cruz’s approach, aligning with the senator on the need to scrutinize funding sources for demonstrations. Cruz questioned whether the FBI would benefit from Congress passing the STOP FUNDERs Act and whether rioting should be added to the list of predicate offenses for RICO. Patel responded that such authorities could help disrupt the funding networks behind violent demonstrations, indicating the bureau’s willingness to consider the bill’s framework if it advances.
In addition to the legislative dialogue, the hearing drew attention to comments from White House officials and allies. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and former President Donald Trump have separately spoken out about the groups funding extreme demonstrations, with Miller telling reporters that organizers have set up drop points for weapons, gas masks, and other materials meant to fuel riots. Miller asserted that money underwrites the violence and that the administration should pursue those who fund it.
Cruz has been outspoken in condemning the Kirk death and has voiced support for severe penalties in such cases. Asked whether the accused assassin should receive the death penalty, Cruz told Fox News Digital, “the death penalty is absolutely merited.” He added that he was glad prosecutors were pursuing the option.
The broader debate over funding of protests has taken on renewed urgency as lawmakers weigh new tools for the federal government to curb violent demonstrations. Cruz’s STOP FUNDERs Act proposes expanding RICO to reach not just individuals who participate in crimes but also those who finance and organize gatherings that escalate into violence. Patel’s testimony underscored a willingness within the FBI to engage with Congress on ways to disrupt funding networks before demonstrations turn violent, a stance that could influence future legislation and agency priorities if the bill advances. The dynamic also places renewed emphasis on how political violence is investigated and prosecuted in an era of highly visible campus protests and national-level political controversy.
