On Saturday, Congressman Mike Garcia attacked George Gascon (the progressive Los Angeles County District Attorney) for a tweet Gascon had sent to commemorate Memorial Day.
Gascon wrote that he joined the United States Army when he was 18. As we remember and reflect upon those who have served our country, I wish everyone a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend.
California’s 25th congressional district representative Garcia took issue with the tweet and also criticised Gascon for his handling of Los Angeles crime victims.
“Are you a ghost?” Garcia, a former United States Navy pilot replied. “If you don’t, @GeorgeGascon may be the wrong holiday. Veterans Day is November. This weekend, we remember all those who were unable to make it home. It’s not hard. It is not difficult to distinguish between felonies and misdemeanors.
Gascon was widely criticized for his policy of preventing his deputy district attorneys from asking bail money, particularly from the families of Los Angeles crime victims.
Gascon reversed this policy earlier in the month.
His office distributed a memo stating that “After listening and the community, I have decided to not grant pre-trial release policy exceptions while such program has been completed.”
Gascon’s dissatisfaction is growing, leading to a recall campaign that had collected more than 400,000 signatures. Organisers are confident they can reach the required number to recall the vote.
The recall effort now begins after the first failed attempt.
Gascon has also been defeated by over 30 cities in Los Angeles County.
