California GOP Rep. Seeks Investigation into LAPD’s Response to Violence
California GOP Representative Darrell Issa is calling for an investigation into accusations that the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) delayed their response to protect ICE officials who were assaulted during a violent incident on Friday night.
Issa, a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee representing California’s 48th Congressional District, announced on Tuesday that he aims for a “thorough Congressional investigation” into the response times of ICE officers, according to a press release from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
According to the DHS, “Over 1,000 individuals surrounded federal law enforcement buildings, assaulted ICE officials, slashed tires, damaged property, and misused taxpayer resources.” They also noted that it took the LAPD two hours to respond.
Clashes with Authorities at LAPD Headquarters
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell expressed that he couldn’t understand how such a delay in response could occur. Speaking at a press conference, he said, “I think any police officer would find that hard to believe.”
McDonnell clarified that the actual response time was about 40 minutes, attributing delays to traffic conditions.
In a statement addressed to Fox News on Monday, DHS Deputy Director Tricia McLaughlin challenged the earlier claims of the LAPD. She emphasized that while it took two hours for the LAPD to arrive, during that time, more than 1,000 people attacked ICE officials and surrounded federal buildings, worsening the situation.
Ongoing Tensions and Arrests
Some protests in Los Angeles were peaceful; however, violence escalated by Friday evening and continued over the weekend, with law enforcement officials facing projectiles and fireworks. Reports indicate that, as of Monday, LAPD had arrested 50 individuals, with charges ranging from attempted murder to assault with a deadly weapon. Both five LAPD officers and five police horses suffered minor injuries during the clashes.
The situation has sparked various criticisms from California’s conservative leaders, aiming at the lack of response and the disorderly management of the protests and riots in the city.
