Nithya Raman Facing Scrutiny Over Potential George Gascón Appointment as LAPD Chief

Los Angeles mayoral candidate Nithya Raman has issued conflicting statements regarding the potential appointment of former District Attorney George Gascón as the head of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), a prospect that has alarmed law enforcement officials and critics.

Raman, a candidate backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, appeared to stumble when questioned about bringing Gascón, who was recalled as LA County DA in 2024 due to his progressive policies, into a leadership role within the LAPD. During a TV appearance, Raman stated, "I don’t know him personally," when pressed about the possibility.

This statement followed an earlier denial to The California Post of appointing Gascón, further fueling uncertainty about her intentions if elected mayor. Raman also recently drew criticism for a since-deleted social media video that depicted LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell with a large red 'X' over his face, accompanied by the words "Only you can stop fascist liars." Her campaign asserted the video targeted the Trump administration and ICE, not McDonnell, blaming its editing on a left-wing influencer.

The timing of these controversies comes as Raman faces questions about her plans for LAPD leadership. In a separate interview, Raman stated that replacing the police chief was not among her immediate priorities, with her 100-day agenda focused on "restoring trust with our law enforcement and the public."

However, when discussing Chief McDonnell's tenure, Raman's timeline has shifted. Initially, she suggested waiting until 2030, when his term is set to expire. But in a subsequent clarification, she indicated she would "expect to replace him prior to that," promising a "careful, orderly transition."

Despite Raman's denials, sources within law enforcement and political circles indicate that Gascón's name is circulating as a potential replacement for LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell. This possibility has raised concerns about a potential mass exodus of officers from the LAPD, which is already facing staffing shortages. Dennis Zine, a former LAPD officer and city councilman, warned that appointing Gascón could be destabilizing, suggesting it might prompt officers to leave the department.

Los Angeles City Councilwoman Traci Park echoed these sentiments, stating that decisions about police leadership directly impact staffing levels. The Los Angeles Police Protective League criticized the notion, calling it a disregard for voters' decision to remove Gascón as District Attorney.

Gascón, who joined the LAPD in 1978 and rose to assistant chief before leading police departments in Mesa, Arizona, and San Francisco, served as San Francisco's district attorney. His term as LA County DA from 2020 was marked by contentious debates over sentencing enhancements and policies critics deemed too lenient, leading to his recall in 2024.

Legal and political figures have voiced opposition to Gascón's potential return to a position of authority in law enforcement. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli commented that residents desire law and order, and Gascón's recall demonstrated a rejection of his approach. Political strategist Michael Trujillo questioned whether voters would support Gascón being indirectly placed in charge of the LAPD after rejecting him as DA.