Former sheriff’s deputy Patrick Gipson has become a vocal critic of California’s leadership, accusing state and local officials of failing to manage the chaos of the Los Angeles riots effectively. Gipson, a prominent figure within the Republican Party, argues that Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass have taken an overly lenient approach to public safety, with delayed National Guard deployment being a major factor in the escalation of violence. The recent riots, which began as protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), have spiraled into widespread destruction, with businesses looted, infrastructure damaged, and communities left in disarray. Gipson’s comments have sparked significant debate, with some supporters praising his no-nonsense approach to law and order, while others criticize what they see as an oversimplified narrative of political blame.
Gipson’s criticisms have been directed at Newsom’s handling of the situation, with particular emphasis on the governor’s failure to deploy the National Guard in time to prevent further damage. He contends that Newsom’s ‘reactionary’ leadership has left the state ill-prepared for such events, with the result being billions in potential losses from insurance claims and the destruction of small businesses. ‘If he had called in the National Guard earlier, we would’ve saved billions of dollars in insurance claims and protected our small businesses,’ Gipson stated. His argument is not just about immediate response but also about long-term policy decisions, particularly regarding funding for initiatives like Proposition 36, which was passed to counteract the perceived liberal policies of Proposition 47. Gipson argues that Newsom’s failure to support such initiatives has left law enforcement with inadequate resources, contributing to a sense of helplessness and fear among officers.
The tensions have also extended to the relationship between Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass, with Gipson suggesting that Bass is acting under the direction of Newsom, which he views as a further indication of the state’s ineffective leadership. He criticizes the bureaucratic chain of command, pointing out that local law enforcement officers are often hindered by the lack of support from state and local leaders, which has led to a situation where they are ‘handcuffed’ and unable to carry out their duties without personal risk. Gipson’s comments have been particularly harsh, with him suggesting that the leadership has been focused more on political gains than on public safety, especially in light of upcoming elections. Despite the criticism, the governor and mayor have responded by emphasizing that the National Guard was not necessary and that the state’s law enforcement agencies were sufficient to handle the situation, with Newsom’s office arguing that the Trump administration did not provide the necessary resources for cleanup efforts.