Newsom Compares LA Riots to Sports Celebrations
The office of California Governor Gavin Newsom has downplayed recent riots in Los Angeles, suggesting they resemble the celebrations that occur after a major sports victory in Philadelphia. “The LA riots? Have these folks ever seen the chaos when the Eagles win a playoff game?” Newsom’s communications director, Izzy Gardon, remarked on Sunday.
In Philadelphia, passionate sports fans often take to the streets following wins by teams like the Eagles and Phillies. These celebrations sometimes escalate into property damage, including car fires. To mitigate such situations, the city even greases light poles and increases police presence, often in riot gear.
Inquiries from various sources prompted the governor’s office to address claims made by California Republicans and local Democrats about immigration policies and federal enforcement actions in liberal-leaning cities. The statements often included defenses of undocumented immigrants alongside critiques of federal raids.
California Republican Representative Darrell Issa criticized Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass on social media, suggesting their leadership was failing in the face of violence and unrest. “If only Karen Bass would fight as hard for the city as she does for illegal aliens,” Issa commented, referencing a significant fire incident earlier in the year.
Responses to the violence have varied, with some officials condemning “dangerous” rhetoric from Democrats that might incite unrest against federal agents. Former California Republican Party Vice-Chairwoman Harmeet Dhillon claimed the governor has alienated law-abiding citizens by prioritizing the rights of undocumented immigrants over public safety.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief of the Department of Homeland Security criticized the attacks on federal officers, stating that ICE agents play a critical role in safeguarding American communities.
Newsom described recent federal immigration raids as “chaotic and reckless,” emphasizing that these actions disrupt family units and harm the economy. His office has consistently pressed against the perceived cruelty of federal sweeps while maintaining that the local community deserves protection, especially in light of the recent violence against law enforcement.
When confronted about the riots, the governor’s office likened the unrest to celebratory chaos after sports events, although many noted that the nature of the LA riots involved specific targeting of federal agents, distinguishing them from typical sports exuberance.
In response to the escalating violence, former President Trump announced plans to mobilize national security resources to restore order in the area, criticizing local leaders for their inability to manage the situation. “If Gov. Newsom and Mayor Bass can’t do their jobs, the federal government will have to step in,” he stated.
