LA Mayoral Candidate Faces Backlash Over 'Fascist Liar' Remark Targeting Police Chief

A video featuring Los Angeles mayoral candidate Nithya Raman calling the LAPD police chief a "fascist liar" was removed from social media platforms after drawing sharp criticism from incumbent Mayor Karen Bass and the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL). Raman, a democratic socialist, appeared in a now-deleted Instagram video with influencer Ed Choi, where she stated, "Only you can stop fascist liars," while a photo of Police Chief Jim McDonnell was shown with a red X over his face.

Raman's campaign has stated that Choi was responsible for the video's editing and that Raman did not intend to label Bass, McDonnell, or LAPD officers as "fascist liars." According to a campaign spokesperson, Raman was repeating a phrase provided by Choi, which she said was in reference to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Trump administration's policies. The campaign claims the video was edited to show Bass during a different part of the interview.

"Nithya never used that phrase to describe Mayor Bass, Chief McDonnell, or LAPD officers, which is why we removed ourselves from the post and asked the creator to take it down immediately," the campaign stated.

However, the video began with Raman and Choi saying, "Only you can stop fascist liars," and Raman's campaign account shared the interview. Choi then asked Raman about her plan to "de-fascicize" the city, asserting that Los Angeles had become "extremely fascist" with McDonnell as police chief. Raman responded by discussing her desire for the LAPD to protect people rather than ICE, and stated that "change starts from the very top" and that "new leadership in the department" is needed. She added, "I don't believe that Chief McDonnell has met this moment" and vowed to appoint a chief who would better serve immigrant Angelenos and all residents.

Mayor Karen Bass condemned Raman's remarks, telling the Los Angeles Times that labeling officers as "fascists" crosses a line. "It's dangerous and extreme rhetoric, and it has no place in this city — let alone from someone trying to become mayor," Bass said. The LAPPL echoed this sentiment, calling Raman's social media post "dangerous" and a potential "dog whistle" to individuals who might threaten McDonnell. The union also stated that Raman's rhetoric further endangers officers who provide security details.

Recent polling from FM3 Research indicates that Raman holds a four-point lead over incumbent Mayor Bass. Raman, 45, has previously voted against police hiring and called for police defunding, according to Bass's statement.