LA Mayor Karen Bass: 300 National Guardsmen, No Need for Federal Support Amidst Protests

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass Downplays Need for National Guard Amidst Protests Los Angeles, CA – June 9, 2025 – Amidst ongoing protests in Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass offered reassurances to the public in a recent interview. She clarified that the number of National Guardsmen deployed is significantly lower than initially reported. "Only 300 National Guardsmen are currently on the ground," Bass stated, contradicting earlier reports of a 2000-strong deployment. This discrepancy, she suggested, might be due to difficulties in mobilizing the National Guard. Furthermore, the mayor emphasized that the city does not require additional federal support, asserting that the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) possesses sufficient resources to manage the situation effectively. "LAPD and LA authorities are more than equipped to handle everything that is happening right now," she stated confidently. The interview also revealed that at least 50 individuals have been detained by ICE authorities in the past several days. Mayor Bass concluded by urging protestors to maintain peaceful demonstrations and called for unity within the city. Her message to the residents of Los Angeles was clear: "Always be peaceful, and the city has got to stick together during this time."