Karen Bass Criticizes Nithya Raman's Shifting Stance on LAPD Chief

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has publicly criticized Nithya Raman, a rival candidate, for what Bass characterized as inconsistent statements regarding the future of LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell. The dispute centers on Raman's comments made during weekend television interviews concerning her plans for the city's top law enforcement position.

During a Saturday interview, Raman was questioned about potentially replacing McDonnell. The following day, an NBC interview focused on rumors that Raman favored replacing McDonnell with former District Attorney George Gascón, who was recalled by voters in 2024. Raman issued a denial regarding Gascón's potential appointment, stating she did not know him personally and questioning the origin of the rumors.

Bass campaign spokesperson Alex Stack accused Raman of lacking core beliefs and tailoring her messages to appeal to voters. "This is yet another example of Nithya Raman having no core beliefs and telling people what they want to hear to advance her political career," Stack said. "Public safety in LA is too important to play political games with. We need to recruit more officers and boost public safety, you don’t do that by calling our officers ‘fascist liars,’’ Stack added, referencing a recently deleted social media video from Raman's campaign that featured McDonnell's face crossed out.

Raman's campaign attributed the video's messaging to targeting ICE and the Trump administration, blaming the editing on a left-wing influencer. However, the controversy has highlighted conflicting timelines from Raman regarding McDonnell's tenure.

In her ABC7 interview on Saturday, Raman stated that replacing the chief was not on her 100-day agenda, emphasizing her priority would be restoring trust between law enforcement and the public. When pressed about concerns that removing McDonnell before the 2028 Olympics could be detrimental, Raman suggested waiting until his term ends in 2030 to appoint a new chief.

However, when contacted by The California Post for clarification on Saturday, Raman provided a different timeframe, indicating she would expect to replace McDonnell prior to 2030, promising a "careful, orderly transition."

Concerns about potential replacements for McDonnell have also surfaced, with sources suggesting George Gascón's name has been circulated. This prospect has drawn criticism from law enforcement officials and former officials who warn of negative impacts on the LAPD's staffing levels. Dennis Zine, a former LAPD officer and city councilman, expressed concern that a Gascón appointment could lead to officers leaving the department, particularly with the 2028 Olympics approaching.

"Gascón would turn the LAPD upside-down," Zine stated. "He basically flipped from one extreme to the other — law enforcement to pro-criminal."

Traci Park, a Los Angeles City Councilwoman, noted that leadership decisions significantly impact LAPD staffing. The Los Angeles Police Protective League issued a statement criticizing the possibility of Gascón's appointment, calling it "frightening" and a disregard for voters who ousted him as District Attorney.

Political strategist Michael Trujillo questioned voters' willingness to accept Gascón as police chief after rejecting him as District Attorney. Gascón, who served as LAPD assistant chief before leading police departments in Arizona and San Francisco, was elected Los Angeles County DA in 2020. His tenure was marked by controversy over his progressive policies, and he was recalled in 2024.