Mayor Bass Slams Rival Raman for 'Irresponsible' Comments About LAPD Chief

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has strongly condemned City Councilmember Nithya Raman, labeling her comments about LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell as "incredibly irresponsible" and suggesting Raman is "not ready for prime time."

Bass's criticism stems from a campaign video featuring Raman and influencer Ed Choi, where they describe McDonnell as a "fascist liar." The video also included an image of Mayor Bass and a red X over McDonnell's face. Raman's campaign later stated the "fascist liars" remark was directed at ICE and the Trump administration, not Bass or McDonnell.

During a press conference announcing a crackdown on drug dealers in Skid Row, Bass questioned Raman's understanding of the term "fascism" and her readiness to lead the city. "It certainly showed that she is not ready for prime time," Bass told the California Post. "I even question if she understands what fascism is or its place in history."

Bass also criticized Raman's explanation that she was merely repeating a phrase suggested by a social media creator. "It is very clear she has no clue as to what it will take to make our city safe," Bass stated. "And so, to record juvenile videos like that and to say, ‘Well, somebody just told me what to say, and I just repeated what they had to say,’ is, like I said a moment ago, evidence that one is not ready to lead the city."

McDonnell, who Raman has pledged to replace if elected mayor, recently spoke out about the video, calling it "disappointing." He also noted that 52 LAPD officers were injured during last year's immigration protests, with some facing assaults involving commercial-grade fireworks.

Bass emphasized the responsibilities of a mayor, stating, "Your number one job as mayor is to keep the city safe." She added that the video, even if intended humorously, demonstrated a lack of the seriousness required for the mayoral office. "That video, and even if it was meant in jest, is irresponsible to even tease or make fun in that kind of way," Bass declared. "That’s not the responsibility, or the behavior, or the stature, of the mayor of Los Angeles."