Nithya Raman, a candidate for mayor in Los Angeles, found herself in a bit of a bind when asked to name a police chief she respects—an uncomfortable moment given her recent comments about the former LAPD Chief Daryl Gates, who has faced significant criticism.
This exchange came on the heels of her controversial remark during a debate where she referred to Gates, whose record has sparked fierce debates, as the “gold standard” in immigration enforcement. Now, she’s attempting to clarify her previous comments, claiming she never intended to commend Gates.
“I made a mistake mentioning his name at all. I was trying to emphasize a point and, well, I flubbed it. That point wasn’t about praising Daryl Gates in any way. I truly apologize for bringing him up. I understand it brings real pain to many in Los Angeles, and I shouldn’t have said it.”
Raman’s original statement praised the city during Gates’ time as a model for noncooperation with immigration enforcement, referencing Special Order 40. This policy, enacted in 1979, prohibits officers from questioning individuals solely about their immigration status. She noted that it originated under former Mayor Tom Bradley and helped shape the Sanctuary City Ordinance she later introduced.
However, mentioning Gates reignited criticism due to his legacy, which includes police brutality and aggressive tactics, highlighted by events like the 1991 beating of Rodney King. Mayor Karen Bass was particularly vocal, suggesting that Raman’s remarks revealed a lack of understanding of the city’s history.
“To connect Daryl Gates with the phrase ‘gold standard’ shows she clearly doesn’t grasp the city’s history. If she did, those words would have never left her mouth,” Bass said.
As scrutiny mounts, Raman has expressed intentions to dismiss the current LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell but has not specified potential replacements. Michaelson mentioned that further parts of his interview with Raman will be featured on his nightly CNN show.
