Indiana AG Rokita files suit against Black Lives Matter foundation over donations, tax filing

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita has filed a lawsuit against the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation as part of an ongoing investigation into donations and tax filings.

The Republican attorney general filed the suit in attempt to force the foundation to respond to a Civil Investigative Demand first issued several months ago.

"There are concerning patterns of behavior from this organization, and we will do what it takes – including this lawsuit – to get to the bottom if it," said Rokita. "Protecting Indiana consumers from this house of cards is critical."

In February, Rokita and his office opened an investigation into the use of BLM-related funds that had been donated by Indiana residents.

According to the his office, a 2020 report indicated the BLM-related foundation received over $90 million in donations that year, and distributed about $21.7 million of them to 30 affiliated chapters and organizations, including one in South Bend, Indiana.

However, an IRS filing of the organization's from the first half of that year purportedly indicate that BLM had $0 in revenue, assets and expenses. 

According to state law, failure to comply with the civil investigation could result in sanctions that include barring the organization from future fundraising in Indiana, among other things.

"There are many Indiana stakeholders and donors who have been impacted by these allegations," Rokita said in a statement. "This lawsuit will allow for a court to swiftly and efficiently resolve the state’s request for information."