Los Angeles County District Attorney Faces Recall from County Residents

By Joshua Summers First Posted: Feb 28, 2021 08:25 PM EST

Recall organizers gathered signatures from L.A. voters as they try to oust Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon. One American News Network reported that a victim rights group is sailing an effort to recall the district attorney, voicing out their opposition on the criminal justice reforms Gascon brought to the prosecutor's office as he formally reports as the District Attorney in early December.

NBC News added that the organizers planned to garner at least 20 signatures, the amount needed to file an intent to recall, which happened during a victim's vigil outside the district attorney's office situated in downtown L.A. The organizers expected 100 people to attend including the crime victims and Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami. NBC mentioned that Hatami is an outspoken critic of Gascon's charges.

Gascon recall movement

In an interview with Fox News, a member of the Recall George Gascon campaign who also represents the victim of the crimes in court, Siannah Collado, shared that a lot of victims have come forward and mentioned that they feel threatened by Gascon's policies that is why their movement is a victim- and community-led effort. Collado also expresses some people's thoughts sharing their regrets in voting for Gascon.

One American News Network noted that Gascon spearheaded several criminal justice reforms such as ending the use of sentencing enhancements, restricting when prosecutors can hold defendants without bail, and ending the use of the death penalty. One American News Network furthered that critics described the changes as drastic and won't accept that violent criminals are being allowed back on the street. The critics also shared that Gascon fooled the voters of the Los Angeles County.

NBC News highlighted that the recall advocates are composed of victim's families and law enforcement officials, claiming that the newly elected District Attorney ran on a progressive campaign to implement 90 degrees change in the district attorney's office. The recall advocates also noted that Gascon prioritized criminals over victims since he took his office in less than three months.

Gascon's Changes

One American News Network noted that the changes were praised by progressives; however, he tackled criticisms from members of his staff and law enforcement officials who have to deal with the criminal element. One American News Network mentioned that the reason behind the critic's opposition might be because the prosecutors cannot pursue harsher penalties for crimes such as murder.

NBC News mentioned an email statement for the District Attorney himself saying that he respects that some victims want him to impose the maximum punishment in their case. Gascon furthered that evidence based on research suggest that excessive sentencing practices have exacerbated recidivism leading to more victims of crime. Gascon also added that the justice system cannot continue to rely on policies that create more victims just because some victims want maximum punishment imposed in their case.

Fox News mentioned that the group that pushes the recall of the current Los Angeles County District Attorney, posted on their website that Gascon promises a gentler criminal justice system that will reduce incarceration rates for minor offenders focusing on mental health and addiction issues, but instead established policies that made the community less safe.