Gov Newsom ‘handcuffed’ police as LA riots expose ‘reactionary’ leadership failure: former sheriff’ s deputy
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

As violent protests erupted in Los Angeles, Calif., L.A. County GOP Vice Chair and former L.A. County sheriff’s deputy Patrick Gipson issued a scathing rebuke of state and local leadership, accusing officials of negligence and political opportunism.

“These riots, they’re completely unnecessary,” Gipson told Fox News Digital. “We didn’t have to go to this length to see cars burning, businesses looted, livelihoods destroyed. It could’ve all been avoided.”

Gipson pointed the finger squarely at Calif. Gov. Gavin Newsom, blaming him for failing to deploy the National Guard in time to prevent chaos.

“Newsom is reactionary instead of pro-action,” he said. “If he had called in the National Guard earlier, we would’ve saved billions of dollars in insurance claims and protected our small businesses.”

The consequences of what Gipson described as “soft-on-crime” policies are, in his view, compounding the unrest. He cited the state’s failure to properly fund Proposition 36, which was overwhelmingly passed in 2024 to curb back the radical policies of Proposition 47, as proof of Sacramento’s disregard for public safety.

“Gavin Newsom is not funding Prop 36. Store owners can’t even go after criminals. Patrons are scared to shop. People won’t even get on the freeway toward LA now,” Gipson said. “They’re afraid a brick’s going to come flying through their car window.”

A law enforcement officer works to put out a fire during a protest in Compton, Calif., Saturday, June 7, 2025, after federal immigration authorities conducted operations.

A law enforcement officer works to put out a fire during a protest in Compton, Calif., Saturday, June 7, 2025, after federal immigration authorities conducted operations. (Ethan Swope)

Reflecting on his experience as a former sheriff’s deputy, Gipson said the state of law enforcement morale in L.A. is dire.

“Law enforcement has not been able to do their job,” he said. “Officers are afraid, literally afraid, to do their jobs because they don’t want to go to jail for following their training. There’s no backing from Newsom, none from Bass.”

“They’re handcuffed,” he added.

“For over 10 years, Gavin Newsom has not protected law enforcement in California. They’ve been defunded, defamed and demoralized. And now they wait. They hesitate. And when you hesitate in this line of work, people get hurt.”

Several cars burn on North Los Angeles street during clashes between protesters and police on June 8, 2025 in Downtown Los Angeles, California.

Several cars burn on a North Los Angeles street during clashes between protesters and police on June 8, 2025, in Downtown Los Angeles, California.  (Vondruska/Getty Images)

Gipson also faulted the bureaucratic chain of command for paralyzing law enforcement at critical moments.

“The sheriff answers to the Board of Supervisors. The LAPD chief answers to the mayor. And when they can’t arrest people right away, the violence just keeps going,” he said.

The solution, Gipson argued, is straightforward: consequences.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, Newsom‘s office said that the Trump administration “didn’t even tap into the additional resources available to clean up their mess.”

“Let’s be clear: The National Guard wasn’t needed in Los Angeles. State and local law enforcement were responding, and federal agencies didn’t even tap into the additional resources available to clean up their mess. Calls for troops to handle a protest show a basic misunderstanding of how public safety works — which is rather shocking for someone who used to have a badge.”

Fox News Digital reached out to Bass’ office for comment. 

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Chinese USC grad student accused of drugging, raping multiple women

Former USC Student from China Faces Serious Allegations of Multiple Drug-Facilitated Assaults

A Chinese student studying in the United States has been charged with…
FILE - Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy speaks during a news conference Aug. 5, 2025, at the Department of Transportation in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File)

California Faces $40M Federal Fund Withholding Over Trucker English Proficiency Enforcement

On Wednesday, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced his decision to withhold $40…
Anthony Volpe could miss start of season as Yankees reveal lengthy timeline

Anthony Volpe Potentially Sidelined for Season Opener as Yankees Announce Extended Recovery Timeline

The New York Yankees are gearing up for the 2026 season, but…
ICE arrests Illinois officer with expired visa

Illinois Police Officer Detained by ICE for Overstaying Visa: Immigration Status Under Scrutiny

Federal immigration authorities have apprehended a police officer from suburban Chicago, revealing…
Government shutdown live updates as Senate holds 10th vote to fund government

Live Coverage: Senate’s 10th Vote on Government Funding Amid Shutdown Concerns

During a routine press briefing at the Capitol, Speaker Mike Johnson addressed…
Jake Haro's early guilty plea for son's murder surprises attorney

Attorney Taken Aback as Jake Haro Pleads Guilty Early in Son’s Murder Case

The unexpected timing of Jake Haro’s guilty plea in the tragic case…
Jacksonville man pleads guilty to manslaughter in 2019 death of 19-year-old

Jacksonville Resident Admits to Manslaughter in 2019 Case Involving 19-Year-Old Victim

In a significant development in a long-standing case, Gary Legg has pleaded…
'Chicago Rat Hole' is not imprint of rat, study suggests

Study Reveals Chicago’s ‘Rat Hole’ is Misunderstood Phenomenon

CHICAGO (WGN) A recent study has cast doubt on the long-held belief…