Insider | The Guerilla Speaks: Inside the Mind of Los Santos' New Activist

[Degu]

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

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The Guerilla Speaks: Inside the Mind of Los Santos' New Activist

Written by Gabriel Stone  27/11/2024

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Above: Graffiti at four different locations.

 

Since the 6th of November graffiti has been appearing across Los Santos, spread by a 'group' sharing Marxist, Socialist views. The group has aimed to get its message across via graffiti, posters, fliers and their social media presence on the page now named 'The Guerilla', previously named 'Black Guerilla'. The page sports a profile picture depicting Che Guevara, though this was previously the classic black raised fist symbol on a deep red background. On the same day 'The Guerilla' page became active, so too did another page belonging to a political figure.

Above: Stein posing with Das Kapital, a picture he posted to his profile.
 

Closely following and supporting the group is a man by the name of 'Professor Horatio Stein', who's account began posting on the same day as The Guerilla's page. Stein's banner depicts the 'Peace and Freedom Party' (PFP), a socialist political party which was formed in 1966 from anti-Vietnam War and pro-civil rights movements. The party to this day operates mainly in San Andreas. Stein has been heavily critical of the mayor, police department and judicial system since his page's creation, from day one sharing 'The Guerilla's' posts and promoting the messages put forward. Stein has also stated more than once his interest in running for mayor against Preston.

 

A chain of events began on the 6th of November when Councilwoman Josély Martinez's home was graffitied inside and out. An onlooker, potentially the graffiti artist themselves, called to report the incident to the press but did not call 911. Four days later Ashley Hendricks' home was graffitied in a similar fashion and once more a 'concerned neighbor' called the incident in. Since then political messages targeting council figures, the mayor and deputy mayor have cropped up across the city. Alongside the graffiti have been various posters conveying messages as well. The Los Santos Sheriffs department are presently investigating the vandalism incidents.

 

But who is 'The Guerilla' and what are his motivations? on the 20th of November he reached out to me on my personal number from a payphone located outside Little Seoul, just a few steps away from where I was located. I was able to interview him on the spot. He explained that he wasn't trying to cause chaos, but trying to provoke critical thinking in the general public. 'The Guerilla' stated his interest in exposing corruption, but claimed that he was acting alone.
 

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Interview
 

Stone: What is the goal of Black Guerilla? (Now 'The Guerilla')

BG: I'm not some idiot tryin' to cause senseless chaos. I'm tryin' to promote people to think for themselves instead of listening to some populists.

Stone: Are you against politicians in general, or is it specifically Republicans or Democrats?

BG: No. I'm not. If they actually promote good ideas instead of goin' about some fake conservativism or lobbyism that the city is doin' and neither party does good, not currently at least.

Stone: So you're hoping for a new party to step up to take the mantle?

BG: This isn't advertisement for a new party or something. I don't want to switch out who leads who. Jus' the structure of it. We ain't in the 60s anymore and this city pretends to be. But, I'd say I like the ideas of the Peace and Freedom Party although the party isn't connected to me or my work. Has nothin' to do with it, just the corruption of the current leaders, council people, is beyond insane.

Stone: Have you ever spoken to Professor Stein? He seems quite supportive of your work.

BG: We talked but it doesn't change. I jus' want...Look, man. What do you make of my stuff? The posters?

Stone: I think it's interesting. I like to keep an outside perspective... things like this fascinate and intrigue me. It makes me wonder...How far are you willing to go to get your message across?

BG: I ain't putting myself on the same corruption as Coleman, Martinez, Preston and all the others. But how far? I don't know. I will not stop what I do currently that's what I know until someone notices what's wrong right now.

Stone: Alright so you plan to remain non-violent with the spread of your messages?

BG: Yeah. I don't want to hurt no one. I'm just an activist. Trying to spread awareness. Nobody gives a fuck. Judges don't give a fuck. Police barely. Everyone is brainwashed by them. Rarely a journalist will stand up.

Stone: Do you have any plans for your next work of art yet? Do I get a hint?

BG: You will see. I ain't tellin' ya yet. I don't know who listens right now. But I can say it will still be consistent as before. If not even more. I jus' wish people would see what I'm trying to achieve. Can't do this forever.

Stone: Perhaps they will. I will remain vigilant of your next work... Are you hoping to expand into a larger group of others doing this?

BG: I don't know. Nobody... offered to do so. But I know some like-minded people although not too keen on it. All I can say is that this war is fought by me alone.

 

Stone: Understandable. I'll let you go now then, sir. I appreciate you taking the time to talk to me... any last words before we conclude?

BG: Sure, boss.

Stone: Oh hold on. One more question.

BG: Okay.

Stone: Are you responsible for the graffiti on Councilwoman Martinez's home, and also Ashley Hendricks' home? I just want to confirm the connection there.

BG: I didn't spray no homes. As far as I know. Martinez did it herself.

Stone: Alright thank you.

 

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Timeline of Vandalism Events and Correlating Posts

 

 

• 6th November 2024
  Josély Martinez's home vandalized: 'Nazi Bitch' 'Kamala Won 2024' and more.
   

o   The first in a long series of events, though ‘The Guerilla’ claims that he believes Martinez graffitied her own home and further claims he was not involved.

o   Incident called in by a "concerned citizen" to the press, but not reported to the police by the same individual. Both home vandalisms called in by "onlookers" who did not call the police.

 

• 10th November 2024
  Ashley Hendricks' home vandalized
   

 

• 14th November 2024
   

o   Professor Horatio Stein reposts an image of a male posing by graffiti outside of the LSPD Auditorium on Occupation Avenue, Alta. Stein’s first Facebrowser post. The graffiti states ‘The Los Santos Police Department Kills Black People’
 

o   Professor Horatio Stein reposts an image from The Guerilla Facebrowser page, an image of Hank Preston reading “Hank Hates You”. Stein states “I agree” First Facebrowser post on the ‘The Guerilla’ page also dated the 14^th.
 

o   Peace and Freedom Party create their social media page.
 

 

• 15th November 2024
   

o   Stein puts a spotlight on the disagreements between Deputy Mayor Frederick Coleman and Jennifer Scherer, stating that neither the mayor nor the department of justice is on the side of the citizens.

o   Stein posts a poll asking if ‘we’ should tear down the LSSD Davis Station and replace it with housing and a park to better serve the community, 31 voted yes, 9 voted no.

 

• 16th November 2024
   City Hall vandalized: ‘Tax The Rich’ & Anti-Martinez poster.
   

o   Martinez poster recognized by an Insider colleague who stated that a black male with a large afro had handed him it as a flier. Individual quickly identified as the male from the image in Stein’s first Facebrowser post.

 

• 17th November 2024
  LSSD Davis Station vandalized: ‘Hank Hates You’
   

o   Stein reposts ‘The Guerilla’ page’s photo of the ‘Hank Hates You' graffiti on LSSD Davis Station. The Guerilla states that he doesn’t condone vandalism but the message stands. Stein also agrees that he doesn’t condone vandalism either but that it is the voice of the people.

 

o    Stein reposts and agrees with another post from ‘The Guerilla’ showing an image of Coleman behind bars, that states “We can only wish for the best if the judicial system wouldn’t be so intertwined with the elite of Los Santos”

 

o   Stein posts an image of himself posing with ‘Das Kapital – Karl Marx’, linking in with ‘The Guerilla’s’ Facebrowser profile picture of Marxist revolutionary Che Guevara.

 

o   Stein posts a poll asking if anyone would like to see him run for mayor of Los Santos. Votes were split down the middle; 18 votes for both yes and no equally.

 

o   Stein states that the police continue to kill homeless individuals and expresses his lack of faith in the government, once more stating his interest in running for mayor.

 


 

• 18th November 2024
   Vespucci Police Station vandalized: 'Coleman Mafia' and posters.
   

o   The possible graffiti artist was sighted on a bicycle  at the graffiti and pursued by a deputy. The suspect was lost in the back alleyways around Del Perro.

 

o   The Guerilla posts an image of an edited picture of a billboard with Hank’s face edited over a ‘Pervert’.

 

• 20th November 2024
  The Guerilla calls me directly on my personal phone and agrees to a phone interview.

 

 

• 22nd November 2024
   Mission Row Billboard vandalized: ‘Josély The Witch’
   

o   The Guerilla posts an image of the billboard stating that one of his followers had sent him the image. He also makes claims that Martinez vandalised her own home.

 

o   Stein shares the above post and states that the people speak for themselves.
 

 

• 23rd November 2024
  Greg E. Joplin Courthouse vandalized with both graffiti and posters: ‘Jail Time For Us’ 'Brainwash You And Make You Pay For It - We Are Above Judgement'
   

o   The Guerilla posts the image that had been plastered over the front of the courthouse, stating that the city must wake up and that some are above the law. The post links to the Insider article regarding the Coleman-LaBelle Fund investigation.

 

o   The Guerilla posts an image of the courthouse with the posters plastered on it, stating that the city needs to react. ‘YOU ARE NOT UNTOUCHABLE’ he added.

 

o   Stein reposts the above posts stating ‘I can’t say it better’ and ‘Got sent this by one of my dear followers. I don’t condone vandalism but this is important’

 

o   Stein posts about ‘greed’, pointing the finger at those with large amounts of money not being used to house families in need.

 

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Edited November 27 by Degu

[eden ღ]

Username: Frederick Coleman

Comment: The only thing this man is achieving proven by his complete lack of support through failure to understand the premise of innocent till proven guilty, is aiding our case in reputational damages and forcing work on both Public Works and the Los Santos Police Department at the expense of the taxpayer. Shameful.

[ANGELS4EVER70]

37 minutes ago, eden ღ said:

Username: Frederick Coleman

Comment: The only thing this man is achieving proven by his complete lack of support through failure to understand the premise of innocent till proven guilty, is aiding our case in reputational damages and forcing work on both Public Works and the Los Santos Police Department at the expense of the taxpayer. Shameful.

Username: Fight4ThePeople
Comment: With all due respect, your statement deflects from the core issue: accountability and transparency. The premise of 'innocent until proven guilty' applies to courts of law, but public officials, especially those in positions of power, must also answer to the court of public opinion. If our actions cause discomfort, perhaps it’s a reflection of deeper systemic flaws that require addressing. The cost to taxpayers pales in comparison to the price of unchecked corruption. Instead of shifting blame, I urge you to consider the value of integrity over reputation.

Edited Wednesday at 06:23 PM by ANGELS4EVER70

[eden ღ]

16 minutes ago, ANGELS4EVER70 said:

Username: Fight4ThePeople
Comment: With all due respect, your statement deflects from the core issue: accountability and transparency. The premise of 'innocent until proven guilty' applies to courts of law, but public officials, especially those in positions of power, must also answer to the court of public opinion. If our actions cause discomfort, perhaps it’s a reflection of deeper systemic flaws that require addressing. The cost to taxpayers pales in comparison to the price of unchecked corruption. Instead of shifting blame, I urge you to consider the value of integrity over reputation.

Username: Frederick Coleman

Comment: You’ll see throughout the funds life it has been nothing but transparent as have I in my public service - there is no unchecked corruption, just a deranged assumption on your part. Innocent until proven guilty applies to everyone in most contexts, those who dedicate their lives to public service are not excluded. I didn’t go out and tag buildings, there’s no blame to be shifted. You can’t claim to be on the side of critical thinking while assuming guilt on pure speculation and zero fact.

[KC..]

Username: Sandarian

Comment: I mean... Housing in this city is needed after all.

[NexusExodus]

Username: Hank Preston

Comment: I love the countless time he claims corruption but can't point out any single shred of evidence of corruption or lobbying by myself or Coleman.

 

Also, for someone sporting a socialist background, why the heck would he be concerned over "fake conservatives?" Shouldn't you be happy those in power aren't doing extremely left or right policies? This administration is fairly measured on most issues, which is a good thing.

 

It's also pretty obvious him and Stein are working together, clear corruption on their end by colluding to cause these countless acts of vandalism, the city won't afford your proposed housing ideas if you keep letting your buddy get away with damaging city property. Maybe try to be a normal person and visit a City Council meeting with your proposal instead of being delusional and using ChatGPT to generate half of your blanket statement posts.

Edited Wednesday at 07:34 PM by NexusExodus

[Uncut]

Username: StreetBum

Comment: Remove Los Santos' Oligarchy

 

[Parade]

.

Edited Friday at 05:36 PM by Parade
Seems something was deleted.

[ANGELS4EVER70]

11 hours ago, eden ღ said:

Username: Frederick Coleman

Comment: You’ll see throughout the funds life it has been nothing but transparent as have I in my public service - there is no unchecked corruption, just a deranged assumption on your part. Innocent until proven guilty applies to everyone in most contexts, those who dedicate their lives to public service are not excluded. I didn’t go out and tag buildings, there’s no blame to be shifted. You can’t claim to be on the side of critical thinking while assuming guilt on pure speculation and zero fact.

Username: Fight4ThePeople
Comment: Transparency isn’t just a claim; it’s a standard that must be actively upheld and scrutinized by the people it serves. If your record is spotless, that’s commendable—but dismissing public concern as 'deranged assumption' undermines the trust and dialogue necessary in public service. Criticism isn’t an accusation; it’s a demand for accountability. The actions you’re condemning aren’t rooted in speculation—they’re a reaction to patterns many perceive as systemic failings. Instead of deflecting with defensiveness, I encourage you to engage constructively and show the transparency you speak to. Prove through action, not dismissal, that trust in public service is well placed.

[NexusExodus]

9 hours ago, ANGELS4EVER70 said:

Username: Fight4ThePeople
Comment: Transparency isn’t just a claim; it’s a standard that must be actively upheld and scrutinized by the people it serves. If your record is spotless, that’s commendable—but dismissing public concern as 'deranged assumption' undermines the trust and dialogue necessary in public service. Criticism isn’t an accusation; it’s a demand for accountability. The actions you’re condemning aren’t rooted in speculation—they’re a reaction to patterns many perceive as systemic failings. Instead of deflecting with defensiveness, I encourage you to engage constructively and show the transparency you speak to. Prove through action, not dismissal, that trust in public service is well placed.

Username: Hank Preston

Comment: The court of law matters, more so than the court of public opinion, you can't please everyone all the time and what truly matters is leadership getting things done and doing so legally, which is the point Coleman is trying to make.  Now, what exactly do you mean by transparency? Under the last 3–4 mayors, the City Government was far less transparent than it is today. On top of that, we have active leadership teams with a genuine vested interest in ensuring the government runs efficiently which was practically nonexistent. I ask that you name the past four mayors and highlight any significant achievements they made, and you’ll quickly see my point.

As for Deputy Mayor Coleman, his charity is, without question, the most transparent in the city. Unlike any other organization, it openly publishes all of its transactions on a regular basis (something he is not required to do), a thing no other charity in Los Santos has ever done. His response to your assumption being "deranged" is completely justified. If there’s anything you or anyone else needs from the City, feel free to submit a Freedom of Information request and we will happily oblige, and mind you this was a system that wasn't enforced until Republicans brought it into effect. 

Edited Thursday at 03:59 PM by NexusExodus