Investigation Called for into LAPD Response to ICE Officers Under Assault

Strategic Insights -

Violence broke out in Los Angeles on Friday night as rioters targeted a federal law enforcement building, where ICE officers were stationed. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims that the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) took two hours to respond to the emergency, during which time officers were assaulted, tires were slashed, and taxpayer-funded property was defaced. In response, California Congressman Darrell Issa has called for a Congressional investigation into the LAPD's response time.

Key Takeaways:

  • Congressman Darrell Issa is calling for a full and complete Congressional investigation into the response time of the LAPD assisting ICE officers who waited for two hours for assistance during the violence.
  • The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims that the LAPD took two hours to respond to the emergency, during which time officers were assaulted, tires were slashed, and taxpayer-funded property was defaced.
  • LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell pushed back against the DHS' claim, stating that the actual response time was 40 minutes due to traffic.
  • Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stood by the department's original claim, stating that it took the LAPD two hours to respond.
  • Congressman Issa is questioning whether the political leadership of the City of Los Angeles or the State of California instructed the LAPD to stand down and not respond to the emergency requests of the ICE agents who were under attack.
  • Democratic leadership in California has faced criticism for blaming President Donald Trump for the unrest and referring to the protests as peaceful, despite violence occurring.
  • 50 arrests have been made in connection with the violence, with charges including attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon on an officer.
  • Five LAPD officers and five LAPD horses sustained minor injuries.

Statistics:

  • Over 1,000 rioters surrounded a federal law enforcement building on Friday night, according to a statement from DHS.
  • 50 arrests have been made in connection with the violence, with charges including attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon on an officer.
  • 5 LAPD officers and 5 LAPD horses sustained minor injuries.
  • The LAPD took 2 hours to respond to the emergency, according to the DHS.

Sources:

  • "Los Angeles Police Department" press release (no date)
  • Fox News Digital, "Assistant DHS secretary reaffirms claim that LAPD took 2 hours to respond to emergency" (no date)
  • Fox News Digital, "Congressman Darrell Issa calls for Congressional investigation into LAPD response time" (no date)