Former Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley has filed a claim against Mayor Karen Bass, alleging a smear campaign and false accusations of undermining public safety during wildfires. The filing, obtained by Fox News Digital, details allegations that Bass orchestrated a campaign of misinformation, defamation, and retaliation to protect her political image while concealing her alleged undermining of public safety. Crowley seeks damages exceeding $25,000, accusing Bass of retaliatory misinformation.
Mayor Karen Bass’s removal of Crowley from the fire chief position came after a series of wildfires in California, with the mayor citing the need for an after-action report that Crowley allegedly refused to conduct. In a statement obtained by Fox News Digital, counsel to the mayor, David Michaelson, said, ‘We will not comment on an ongoing personnel claim. Mayor Bass is focused on the city’s preparations for the hottest temperatures of the year and the potential for regional fire danger.’ This remark highlights the ongoing tensions between the city administration and the former fire chief.
Crowley’s legal team has pushed back against these claims, labeling them as false. In a statement obtained by Fox News Digital, Crowley said, ‘Integrity, truthfulness, and serving others before self have guided me throughout my career. As the Fire Chief, for nearly three years, I advocated for the proper funding, staffing and infrastructure upgrades to better support and protect our Firefighters, and by extension, our communities.’ She emphasized the need for factual accuracy in addressing the allegations, noting that the lies, deceit, exaggerations, and misrepresentations should be countered with true facts.
The controversy has further been compounded by other recent developments, including the mayor’s delay in releasing a report on the Palisades fire at the request of federal authorities. Additionally, there have been claims that the mayor called federal authorities the source of ‘disorder’ following an ICE raid outside a gubernatorial event. These incidents have sparked discussions about the mayor’s management of public safety and her relationships with federal agencies.
Crowley’s filing also points to the city council’s failure to reverse the mayor’s decision to oust her. Despite her unsuccessful appeal, she remains committed to advocating for the resources her firefighters need. This ongoing legal and political battle highlights the complex dynamics within city governance and the challenges of balancing political interests with public safety responsibilities.