Los Angeles City Councilmember and mayoral candidate Nithya Raman has reiterated her demand for the dismissal of Police Chief Jim McDonnell over his management of last year’s federal immigration raids. In a recent video interview, she urged the public to combat what she termed as ‘fascist liars.’ This video, set in the context of the November 3 election, features Raman running against Mayor Karen Bass.
During the 90-second video, posted by content creator Ed Choi, Raman criticized McDonnell and Bass for the LAPD’s use of tear gas on protestors opposing federal immigration arrests. The footage, initially shared on Instagram, was filmed at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College, where Raman outlined her agenda for her first 100 days in office. The video begins with Raman and Choi unitedly stating, “Only you can stop fascist liars,” as an image of Bass is displayed.
Mayor Karen Bass responded by condemning Raman’s remarks, accusing her opponent of labeling city police officers as ‘fascist liars.’ Bass highlighted Raman’s previous opposition to police budget allocations and her call to defund the police. “It’s dangerous and extreme rhetoric,” Bass said in a statement, emphasizing its divisiveness.
Police Chief Jim McDonnell declined to comment through a spokesperson. However, Liz Garcia, Raman’s spokesperson, clarified that Raman’s comments referred to federal immigration agents and actions under the Trump administration, not to Bass, McDonnell, or the LAPD. Garcia noted that they requested the video’s removal to avoid misinterpretations.
Last year, tensions rose when LAPD officers used hard foam projectiles and other munitions against protestors in downtown Los Angeles who opposed immigration actions. Subsequent legal rulings restricted the use of crowd control weapons against nonviolent protestors and press, emphasizing the protection of First Amendment rights.
Ed Choi, a key individual in this narrative and co-founder of a clothing brand, echoed sentiments of ‘fascism’ in Los Angeles, attributing it to Bass’s decision to appoint McDonnell as police chief. He queried Raman on her strategies to reform the city’s governance.
Raman has openly criticized McDonnell, seeking new leadership within the LAPD. She argued that the current police leadership had not adequately addressed the public’s right to protest without facing aggressive crowd control tactics.
The video concluded with symbolic imagery that some viewed as ‘dangerous,’ according to the Los Angeles Police Protective League, representing officers. This organization expressed concern over the portrayal of police leadership as threats, given the existing risks faced by city officials.
In contrast, Bass’s recent campaign activities have focused on her initiatives supporting protestors against federal immigration actions. She has implemented measures that limit the city’s involvement in federal immigration enforcement, reinforcing her stance against discriminatory practices.