Nithya Raman Attacks LAPD Chief, Pledges Ouster Without Naming Successor

Los Angeles mayoral candidate Nithya Raman has again targeted LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell, stating her intention to remove him from his position if elected. However, Raman declined to name a potential successor or outline a timeline for selecting a new chief.

During an interview with ABC 7 on Tuesday, Raman voiced criticisms regarding the department's staffing costs, its relationship with immigrant communities, and the operations of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) within Los Angeles. "I believe that this police chief has lost the trust of our immigrant community here in LA," Raman stated.

When pressed for a replacement for McDonnell, Raman indicated that the process would necessitate a search and collaboration with the Police Commission and City Council. "It’s too important of a decision to set an arbitrary timeline or to make a decision before I’ve had a chance to talk to all the key stakeholders… I will ensure that whoever we pick to be our next LAPD chief will keep us safe," she said.

Raman also argued that LAPD staffing levels and associated costs have moved in an unfavorable direction, claiming the city is "paying half a billion dollars more for 1,500 fewer officers than we were before."

She mentioned that former LAPD Chief Bernard Parks supports her campaign and that public safety advisors have consulted with her. Raman outlined criteria for a future chief, including transparency, accountability, a record of public safety results, a commitment to hiring, and the protection of immigrants within the city.

This renewed criticism follows a previous controversy involving progressive influencer Ed Choi. In a video filmed at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College, Choi accused Los Angeles of becoming "extremely fascist" and asked Raman how she would "de-fascistize" the city. An accompanying video featured images of mayoral candidate Karen Bass and McDonnell, with the latter's face crossed out. Raman's campaign attributed the controversial messaging to Choi's editing, though the influencer later claimed Raman had stated that defunding the police was an option and that McDonnell was not a candidate she supported.