House Oversight investigating California leaders over handling of Los Angeles riots

House Oversight Chairman James Comer on Friday sent letters to California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, notifying them of an investigation into their handling of recent riots in the city's downtown. 

Violent protests broke out in the city over the weekend, which have since spread to other cities nationwide as well, after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers conducted multiple raids in major cities recently. 

Both leaders have clashed with the Trump administration in recent days after President Donald Trump activated the state National Guard and deployed Marines to help protect federal officers and buildings. 

“Claims were made that state and local law enforcement had protests under control, however, police were clearly unable to quell the violence in Los Angeles prior to the arrival of the National Guardsmen,” Comer and Federal Law Enforcement subcommittee Chair Clay Higgins wrote in letters to Bass and Newsom.

“You have championed California’s sanctuary policies, which prevent local law enforcement’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities,” the lawmakers continued. “You have also made it clear that you intend to block the objectives of the federal government, and defend aliens, regardless of their immigration status, criminal activity, anti-American views, or incitement to riot.”

The lawmakers requested Bass and Newsom turn over all records and communications regarding the protests between their offices, and between state, local and federal law enforcement agencies regarding the riots and the sources of the weapons the rioters used.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.