Mayor Bass Criticizes National Guard Deployment Amidst LA Riots

Mayor Bass's Frustration with Unrest

• 💡 Mayor Karen Bass expressed infuriation and sadness over the vandalism and obscene graffiti seen in downtown Los Angeles.
• ⚠️ She emphasized that those committing vandalism are not supporting immigrant rights and will be held accountable through investigations and arrests.
• 🚫 Bass stated that the ongoing raids are unwarranted and only contribute to chaos, particularly those initiated in Washington D.C.

Opposition to National Guard Deployment

• ❓ Bass questioned the necessity of deploying 700 National Guard members, stating, "We didn't need the National Guard."
• 🎯 The National Guard's current role is described as guarding two federal buildings in downtown and Westwood.
• 🧪 She feels the city is being used as an unwilling experiment or laboratory.

Calls for De-escalation and Local Authority

• 🗣️ Mayor Bass's primary message to the administration is to "Stop the raids."
• 🏛️ She advocates for returning power to the governor to decide on the need for the National Guard, following a formal request from the city.
• 💥 While acknowledging an incident where the National Guard cleared an area for vehicles, leading to the use of gas and flashbangs, she implies this was not a primary function of their deployment.