LA Mayor Bass: Federal Intervention in Protests Was Unnecessary

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass Condemns Protest Violence, Calls Federal Intervention 'Unnecessary' Los Angeles, CA – June 10, 2025 – In a press conference today, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass strongly condemned the violence and vandalism that occurred during recent protests in the city. She emphasized that the unrest was largely confined to a few blocks in the downtown area, contradicting national narratives portraying Los Angeles as being "under siege." Mayor Bass directly addressed concerns about federal intervention, stating, "This is just absolutely unnecessary." She pointed to a peaceful Thursday of the previous week as evidence that the situation did not require federal involvement. The mayor's comments highlight the contrast between the perception of the protests on a national scale and the reality on the ground in Los Angeles. While images of burning vehicles and clashes with law enforcement circulated widely, Mayor Bass stressed that the situation was contained and managed by local authorities. She further explained that the LAPD had requested additional assistance, but only from state resources, not the federal government. Mayor Bass's press conference serves as a crucial counterpoint to the national narrative, offering a more nuanced perspective on the situation and the city's response to the protests.