‘Democratic Misgovernance and Governor’s Mistakes Made the Los Angeles Situation So Complicated’ – Former Police Officer

‘Democratic Misgovernance and Governor’s Mistakes Made the Los Angeles Situation So Complicated’ – Former Police Officer
Los Angeles, June 11:

In light of the ongoing violent anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles, a former police officer who served during the 1992 Rodney King riots has criticized the actions of the city’s current Democratic mayor, Karen Bass.
Former LAPD detective Moses Castillo stated that Mayor Bass only took a firm stance on law and order after the violence had already spread widely, calling it a “delayed response.”

When the protests escalated over the weekend, President Donald Trump deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles. However, Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom opposed the decision. Federal authorities also took decisive steps—on Monday, U.S. Northern Command announced that 700 Marines would be deployed to protect federal property and personnel.

LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell reported that 197 people were arrested amid the unrest across the city. Most arrests occurred during occupations near Commercial and Alameda Streets and on the 101 Freeway. Additionally, 96 more individuals were arrested Monday night during downtown protests.

The arrested individuals face charges including looting, arson, assault on police officers with deadly weapons, and failure to disperse. One person was arrested for attempted murder using a Molotov cocktail.

To regain control, police used tear gas, and numerous businesses across Los Angeles were looted.

Speaking to Fox News Digital, Castillo said, “Mayor Bass is now stepping in to manage the situation, but it’s too late. If she had made it clear from the start that violence would not be tolerated and had allowed police to act freely, things might have turned out differently.”

He added, “I believe both President Trump and Governor Newsom are using this crisis for political gain. This behavior is like a schoolyard fight. What’s needed now is for both sides to sit down, talk, and find a solution instead of blaming each other and making the situation worse.”

Recalling his experience during the 1992 riots, Castillo said, “History is repeating itself. The difference now is the era of social media—where videos go viral instantly and mobilizing people to the streets is much easier.”
He continued, “Currently, we are witnessing even more violence against police officers than before. Molotov cocktails, cinder blocks—you name it—everything is being hurled at police.”

Fox News Digital reached out to the Los Angeles mayor’s office for comment but has not yet received a response.