The escalating unrest in Los Angeles, marked by widespread looting and violent clashes, has drawn sharp condemnation from federal authorities, with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi appearing on Fox News Wednesday to deliver a stern message and criticize California Governor Gavin Newsom’s handling of the crisis. Meanwhile, a legal battle is unfolding in federal court as California challenges President Trump’s deployment of federal troops to the state.
Attorney General Bondi slammed Governor Newsom’s perceived inaction, stating, “Gavin Newsom has not been out to the scene. He has not turned on the television set to see the incredible amount of violence that was happening, is happening in Los Angeles.”
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She emphasized President Trump’s commitment to “make America safe again” and protect Americans, including Californians, asserting, “If Gavin Newsom isn’t going to protect them, we are.”
Bondi also accused Governor Newsom of failing to declare an economic disaster, which she claimed would have allowed Kelly Loeffler and the Small Business Administration to provide crucial aid to businesses impacted by the looting. “He’s refusing to help even his own small businesses in California,” Bondi asserted.
In a significant shift in federal enforcement, Bondi announced a tougher stance against looters. “If you loot a business in California during this, we’re charging you with robbery under the Hobbs Act. No longer are the days of non-prosecution for looting.” She highlighted the pervasive nature of the criminal activity, noting, “All these stores being burglarized, vandalized.”
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Furthermore, Bondi warned those targeting law enforcement. “We’ve also seen all of our police officers, all of our federal, state, local law enforcement officers being abused out there, trying to keep California safe.” With over 190 arrests made on Tuesday and more anticipated, she declared, “If you hit a police officer, you assault a police officer, state, or federal, we are coming after you. So, Molotov cocktails no longer.”
Adding to the federal crackdown, the FBI has placed an individual on its Most Wanted list for allegedly throwing bricks at police officers during the unrest.
“More charges coming,” a federal official stated, confirming the individual is “on the run” and urged them to “turn himself in.” The official stressed the power of modern technology and inter-agency cooperation (FBI, DEA, ATF, ICE, Homeland Security) in tracking down perpetrators: “We’re getting these videos. We’re seeing what you’re doing. We’re finding you. This guy’s face is all over the news now, and we are going to catch them.”
The federal response comes amidst a broader controversy over President Trump’s decision to deploy Marines and National Guard troops to California to aid in law enforcement, including immigration-related operations.
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California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Governor Gavin Newsom filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on Monday, arguing that federalizing the state’s guardsmen without Newsom’s consent oversteps presidential authority and violates constitutional limits.
On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Charles R. Breyer denied California’s bid to immediately block the deployment, instead setting a Thursday hearing to weigh the state’s request for a temporary restraining order. The Department of Justice, in its brief, dismissed California’s motion as “legally meritless” and warned against obstructing federal enforcement efforts.
The deployment has fueled escalating tensions between the Trump administration and California’s Democratic leaders. President Trump reportedly told reporters Tuesday that he urged Newsom to “do a better job” managing the riots, a claim Newsom denied on X, stating, “There was no call. Not even a voicemail.”
The protests have also seen a diverse range of groups participating, including what one speaker described as “the Pro Hamas crowd,” “the Greenies,” “the Occupy Wall Street people,” and those advocating for “illegals to stay.”
The situation in Los Angeles remains highly fluid, with federal and state authorities locked in both a physical and legal battle over the response to the ongoing civil unrest.
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