Steve Bannon Calls for Arrest of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass
In a recent broadcast, Steve Bannon, a prominent conservative commentator, called for the arrest of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass amidst a backdrop of violent protests in the city. According to Media Matters, Bannon urged law enforcement to take immediate action against the mayor, citing her alleged involvement in allowing the protests to escalate.
The protests, which began as a response to the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the city, quickly turned violent, with reports of burned cars, vandalism, and clashes between protesters and law enforcement. Media Matters reports that Bannon’s guest, Ben Bergquam, described the scene as a "war zone" and claimed that the mayor and other city officials had invited the chaos by embracing communist ideology.
"It’s amazing as you walk these streets, there’s graffiti everywhere and the combination of words and different groups that are out here from the Palestinians to BLM to, as you heard MEChA, the La Raza contingent, these guys, you know, that absolutely believe they want to take this country back from America," Bergquam was quoted as saying in the Media Matters article. Bannon responded by calling for hard action, stating, "This time we need not just hard words, we need hard actions. Start arresting those officials that are getting in between ICE and other law enforcement trying to execute on the mass deportations this country needs."
The comments made by Bannon and Bergquam have sparked controversy, with many critics accusing them of inciting violence and promoting divisive rhetoric. However, according to Media Matters, Bannon remained defiant, stating, "Not even a question we’re on the side of the righteous. You blink now, you’re not gonna have a country. Very simple. You blink now, you’re not gonna have a country. We’re in the no blink group."
The incident has raised questions about the role of politicians and commentators in shaping public discourse and the impact of their words on social unrest. As reported by Media Matters, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and other law enforcement agencies are currently investigating the protests and working to restore order in the city.
In response to Bannon’s comments, a spokesperson for Mayor Bass’s office stated that the mayor’s priority was the safety and well-being of all Angelenos, and that she would continue to work with law enforcement and community leaders to address the root causes of the protests. As Media Matters notes, the incident has sparked a wider debate about the intersection of politics, social justice, and law enforcement, and it remains to be seen how the city will respond to the challenges posed by the protests.
The call for Mayor Bass’s arrest has been widely reported, with many organisations and individuals weighing in on the issue. According to Media Matters, this incident has caused concerns about the growing polarisation of American politics and the potential for further social unrest.
