LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell responded to comments made by mayoral candidate Nithya Raman, who referred to him as a "fascist liar" in a campaign video. McDonnell expressed disappointment in Raman's remarks, noting that 52 police officers were injured during protests related to immigration last year. He stated, "I saw that, and I was disappointed that she would be associated with anything like that," in an interview with NBC Los Angeles.
The exchange follows a video featuring Raman and left-wing influencer Ed Choi, which showed McDonnell's face crossed out with a large red X. In the video, Raman accused the LAPD of protecting federal immigration agents over protesters during the June 2025 unrest, during which officers faced significant violence, including being targeted with commercial-grade fireworks and Molotov cocktails.
McDonnell detailed the injuries sustained by officers, including hearing damage and concussions, and praised their discipline amid the attacks. He stated, "The assaults on officers were like I’ve never seen before."
Raman's campaign clarified that the "fascist liars" remark was directed at ICE and the Trump administration, not at McDonnell or LAPD officers. They stated, "Nithya never used that phrase to describe Mayor Bass, Chief McDonnell or LAPD officers." A member of the LAPD expressed concern that the video could make McDonnell a target, calling it "extremely dangerous."