Karen Bass accuses Nithya Raman of wavering on LAPD chief replacement

In a series of weekend interviews, Nithya Raman told one network she had no plans to replace LAPD chief Jim McDonnell within her first 100 days, while a later appearance suggested she might wait until his term ends in 2030 before appointing a new chief. Mayor Karen Bass seized on the apparent inconsistency, labeling Raman’s stance as indecisive and warning that firing McDonnell before the 2028 Olympics would be risky. Raman also denied rumors that she intends to install former District Attorney George Gascón as chief, calling the speculation unfounded.

The dispute was sparked by a now-deleted social-media video that crossed out McDonnell’s face with the phrase “Only you can stop fascist liars.” Law-enforcement officials and city council members expressed concern that naming Gascón could worsen the department’s staffing shortages ahead of the Games.