Stories
LA Mayoral Candidate Nithya Raman Faces Backlash Over Deleted Video Targeting Mayor and Police Chief
- •Los Angeles mayoral candidate Nithya Raman faced heavy criticism after her campaign posted and later deleted a video targeting Mayor Karen Bass and LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell.
- •The controversial video featured Raman stating Only you can stop fascist liars while showing McDonnell's face crossed out with a red X.
- •Police Chief Jim McDonnell called the remarks disappointing and defended his officers, noting that 52 officers were injured during violent protests in June 2025.
- •Raman's campaign defended her by stating she did not directly call Bass or McDonnell fascists, but the video drew strong condemnation from political opponents and police unions.
Key Questions Answered
Nithya Raman faced heavy criticism after her campaign posted and deleted a social media video targeting Mayor Karen Bass and LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell. The clip featured Raman stating "Only you can stop fascist liars" while McDonnell's face was shown crossed out with a red X, drawing condemnation from law enforcement and political opponents.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell expressed disappointment over Raman's association with the video and defended his officers. He rejected her accusations regarding the department's handling of the June 2025 immigration protests, noting that 52 officers sustained serious injuries, including concussions and hearing damage, while facing extreme violence like commercial-grade fireworks and Molotov cocktails.
Nithya Raman is a 45-year-old Los Angeles City Councilwoman representing the 4th District since 2020. Before her election, she focused on urban planning and homelessness, and she is now challenging incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in the mayoral race with a platform centered on progressive reforms.
