Los Angeles City Councilmember and mayoral candidate Nithya Raman has called for the removal of Police Chief Jim McDonnell due to his handling of the previous year’s federal immigration raids. During a video interview posted online, she urged viewers to take action against what she termed “fascist liars.” Raman is running against Mayor Karen Bass in the upcoming November 3 election. She criticized both McDonnell and the mayor for the Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) use of tear gas against protesters opposing federal immigration arrests.
The 90-second video, uploaded to Instagram by content creator Ed Choi, was recorded at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College. Raman held a rally there, outlining her 100-day plan if elected as mayor. The video opens with Raman and Choi stating in unison, “Only you can stop fascist liars,” with an image of Mayor Bass appearing on screen.
Mayor Karen Bass criticized Raman for her remarks in the video, calling it a call to remove Police Chief Jim McDonnell. The mayor accused Raman of labeling the city’s police officers as fascist liars. Earlier in the year, Raman voted against police hiring and advocated for defunding the police. Bass condemned Raman’s rhetoric as extreme, stating it is “dangerous” and “has no place” in Los Angeles.
“But labeling them ‘fascists’ — when officers put on the uniform every day to keep us safe — is crossing the line,” Bass said.
Raman spokesperson Liz Garcia clarified that the reference to “fascist liars” was directed at federal immigration agents and the Trump administration’s actions in Los Angeles. Garcia explained that the video was edited, and Raman requested its removal immediately.
Choi, who co-founded a clothing brand, asked Raman about her plans to “de-fascistize” the city if elected. Raman, who had previously called for McDonnell’s replacement, stated she would pursue new leadership for the LAPD. She criticized the use of tear gas on protesters exercising their First Amendment rights.
The Los Angeles Police Protective League, representing officers, objected to the video’s imagery. They called it “dangerous,” emphasizing the constant threats faced by Chief McDonnell and Mayor Bass.
Mayor Bass has been actively campaigning, including moments with actress Jane Fonda. She recently signed an ordinance to prevent city property from being used for immigration enforcement. Additionally, she enacted an executive order mandating law enforcement personnel to record federal immigration actions with body-worn cameras.