Challengers in the crowded and contentious primary race for Los Angeles County District Attorney have been pummeling incumbent George Gascón for being “soft on crime.”
On the defensive, Mr. Gascon has pointed to a citywide drop in violent crime—more than 3 percent in 2023 compared to 2022, according to the Los Angeles Police Department—that proves his progressive reforms are working.
But his challengers—Gascón faces 11 contenders in the March 5 primary, of which voting is already underway—say a broader look at the data tells a different story.
Deputy District Attorney Jonathan Hatami points out there have been 1,111 homicides during Mr. Gascón’s tenure from 2021 through 2023, compared to 798 during his predecessor Jackie Lacey’s time in office.
“Just looking at one year, yes, violent crime has dropped from last year to this year. But looking at Gascón’s overall record, it’s not very good,” Mr. Hatami told The Epoch Times.
Read Full Article Here
Numbers Game: Los Angeles District Attorney Candidates Spar Over Crime Stats
- by: Beige Luciano Adams
- 2024-02-27
- Source:
The Epoch Times
- 02/27/2024
