Investigation Called into LAPD’s Response Time
Republican Representative from California, Darrell Issa, is pushing for an official investigation into the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) amid accusations that the department delayed its response to an attack on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel.
Issa, who is part of the House Judiciary Committee, stated in a press release on Tuesday that he is advocating for a “full and complete Congressional investigation.” This comes after reports from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) indicated that ICE officials waited “two hours” for LAPD support during a tumultuous incident.
“Last night, more than 1,000 individuals surrounded federal law enforcement facilities, attacked ICE personnel, cut tires, and vandalized property funded by taxpayers,” noted the DHS release on Saturday.
“It took two hours for the Los Angeles Police Department to respond.”
In contrast, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell quickly dismissed DHS’s claims during a press conference on Sunday, expressing disbelief over the stated response time.
“When I heard that, I don’t think anyone who is a police officer could believe it, and certainly anyone with LAPD could not imagine how it would happen,” McDonnell remarked to reporters. “Well, that didn’t happen.”
McDonnell mentioned that the actual response time was closer to 40 minutes, which he attributed to heavy traffic conditions.
However, Tricia McLaughlin, Deputy Director of DHS, backed Issa’s assertions, reiterating the two-hour response time and emphasizing the chaos caused by the mobs in that period.
“The fact remains that it took two hours for the Los Angeles Police Department to respond,” McLaughlin stated. “In the meantime, more than 1,000 individuals surrounded federal law enforcement buildings, attacked ICE officials, cut tires, and damaged property. DHS appreciates LAPD’s efforts to help restore order.”
Issa later expressed concern, saying: “We need to determine whether the city of Los Angeles, or any other party, instructed the LAPD not to respond to an emergency call during the storm.”
On Monday, LAPD confirmed that there would be at least 50 arrests related to the incident, with charges including attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon against officers. Tragically, five LAPD officers and five horses were also reported injured.
