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A former detective with the Los Angeles Police Department, who witnessed the turmoil during the 1992 Rodney King riots, has voiced strong criticisms against Mayor Karen Bass for her delayed response amid escalating anti-ICE violence in the city this past week.
As tensions in Los Angeles escalated, President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of the National Guard to restore order. This decision came after violent protests erupted, leading to clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement. California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed his opposition to Trump’s actions, which has further complicated the situation.
On Monday, the U.S. Northern Command confirmed that 700 Marines will be dispatched to the greater Los Angeles area. Their mission is to assist in the protection of federal properties and personnel in the wake of unrest that has gripped the city.
Recent Arrests and Charges
Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell reported on Tuesday that his department had made 197 arrests related to the violence, with 130 of those occurring near the intersection of Commercial and Alameda streets. The remaining arrests took place after protesters occupied the US 101 freeway. Over the course of a single night, the LAPD arrested 96 individuals amid ongoing protests throughout downtown Los Angeles.
The charges against the arrested individuals included serious offenses such as assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer, failure to disperse, looting, and arson. In a particularly alarming incident, one suspect was apprehended for attempting to commit murder using a Molotov cocktail.
In response to the unrest, law enforcement utilized tear gas in an attempt to break up crowds, while numerous businesses in the area fell victim to looting.
Critical Perspectives on Leadership
Moses Castillo, the former LAPD detective, shared his insights with Fox News Digital, stating that Mayor Bass’s calls for restoring order came too late. He expressed concern that her reaction was not adequately forceful in the initial stages of the disturbances.
“She’s now trying to play catch up,” Castillo remarked. He suggested that had the Mayor taken a more proactive stance from the start—indicating a zero-tolerance policy towards the crimes—events might have unfolded differently. Castillo added, “Instead, she is only now asserting that these acts of looting and violence would not be tolerated. This sentiment comes a bit too late.”
In an attempt to foster communication, Castillo reached out to Bass’s office for further discussion on the matter.
Political Blame Game and the Need for Unity
Pointing out the political dynamics surrounding the protests, Castillo claimed that various stakeholders are using the violent confrontations to critique one another. This behavior, he argued, only exacerbates the situation and distracts from solutions.
“I believe that both sides—the president and Governor Newsom—are employing the media to launch their own attacks. This strikes me as regressive, much like the behavior seen in high school. Instead, what is necessary is dialogue. Let’s convene, meet face-to-face, and resolve our differences constructively,” Castillo urged.
He expressed concern over the disunity present among current leadership, stating, “They are not united in this front.” Castillo emphasized that collective effort is crucial for addressing the critical issues facing the community.
Reflecting on History
Castillo recounted his experiences as an LAPD trainee during the Rodney King riots, drawing parallels between past and present events. He remarked, “History is repeating itself in a very concerning manner.” This sentiment resonates deeply as communities grapple with the implications of current immigration policies and their impact on unrest.
According to Castillo, today’s social media landscape amplifies protests and unrest, quickly disseminating images and messages that can incite chaos. He noted, “History is repeating itself, and this time we are witnessing an unprecedented level of aggression against police officers. Projectiles such as bottles and cinder blocks are being thrown at them, a stark indicator of the volatile circumstances we now face.”
This situation serves as a timeless reminder that community trust and effective leadership are essential in times of crisis. Through transparent communication and decisive action, city leaders could foster a safer environment and facilitate healing within the community.
In the ongoing turmoil, the voices of both police and protesters remain critical. Finding common ground must take precedence over political posturing if Los Angeles is to move forward into calmer waters.
Contributions to this report were made by Fox News Digital’s Greg Wehner and Louis Casiano.
