Mayor Bass Criticized for Photo Op at Deadly Helicopter Crash Site

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass drew criticism after sharing images of herself with firefighters at the site of a fatal news helicopter crash in Chatsworth, California, on Tuesday evening.

The incident involved a NewsChopper4 helicopter that crashed near a bus collision, resulting in the deaths of NBC reporter Eliana 'Eli' Moreno, pilot George Marciniw, and a pedestrian.

Mayor Bass posted on X (formerly Twitter) stating she was "receiving updates" from first responders and expressed gratitude for their work. The post was met with negative reactions online, with some users commenting on the timing and perceived appropriateness of the photo opportunity.

Some social media responses drew comparisons to Bass's handling of the Palisades Wildfires in 2025, with critics questioning her presence and motives.

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The criticism comes as Mayor Bass is engaged in a competitive re-election campaign against Los Angeles City Councilwoman Nithya Raman. Following the primary election in June, where Bass finished ahead of Raman, recent polling from May indicated Raman leading the incumbent mayor by a narrow margin in the upcoming general election on November 3.

During a recent debate, Bass criticized Raman's work ethic, citing missed votes and absences from council meetings. Raman attributed these absences to her appointments on external boards, some of which conflicted with council meeting schedules. Raman also challenged Bass's record on homelessness, specifically criticizing the "Inside Safe" program and highlighting a decrease in unsheltered homelessness in her own district. She proposed auditing city funds allocated to homelessness programs.