Full Breakdown
Video Controversy Over LAPD Chief Escalates Los Angeles Mayoral Race
By Drooid · · How we work
Background & Context
In the summer of 2025, Los Angeles saw protests against ICE raids. Mayor Karen Bass has said the LAPD’s duty in such raids is to protect the broader community rather than assist ICE agents.
Core Event
A campaign video filmed at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College featured City Councilmember Nithya Raman and digital creator Ed Choi. The video was later edited to overlay Mayor Bass’s image and to place a red “X” over LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell’s face. The clip was removed from Raman’s Instagram after public outcry.
Official Statements & Responses
Bass reiterated her view that the LAPD should safeguard residents, not federal agents.
Chief McDonnell called the video “disappointing,” noting officers had acted “amazingly disciplined” during the June 2025 protests.
Raman’s campaign, represented by spokesperson Liz Garcia, said Raman never used the phrase to describe Bass, McDonnell or LAPD officers and that the creator edited the footage.
The Los Angeles Police Protective League denounced the edited imagery as a “dangerous dog whistle” that could endanger officers.
Criticism & Opposition
The police union’s board warned that the red “X” could “amplify threats” against department leadership and said such imagery “has no place” in civic discourse. Critics argue Raman’s calls to replace McDonnell ignore recent efforts to protect officers and maintain public safety.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Raman’s team maintains the “fascist liars” line was directed at ICE and the Trump administration, while the edited version suggested she was labeling city officials. No independent verification of the editing process has been provided.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Nithya never used that phrase to describe Mayor Bass, Chief McDonnell, or LAPD officers, which is why we removed ourselves from the post and asked the creator to take it down immediately,” — Liz Garcia, Raman spokesperson
- “I think when there is an ICE raid, the obligation of the LAPD is to protect the broader community, not the ICE agents.” — Karen Bass, Los Angeles mayor
- “I don't believe that Chief McDonnell has met this moment, and I will make sure that we are appointing a police chief who can really respond to the needs that immigrant Angelenos have and that every resident of Los Angeles has,” — Nithya Raman, police-chief candidate
- “For someone to come back over a year later and criticize something that was a heroic effort, it's disappointing,” — Jim McDonnell, LAPD chief
- “But labeling them ‘fascists’ — when officers put on the uniform every day to keep us safe — is crossing the line,” — Karen Bass, Los Angeles mayor
What’s Next
The controversy unfolds as Los Angeles heads toward its mayoral election later this month. Voters will weigh the competing narratives as the city approaches the ballot.