04/19/2024

Los Angeles DA George Gascon slammed by combat veteran congressman over Memorial Day tweet: ‘Wrong holiday’

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon sent a Memorial Day tweet wishing residents a ‘safe’ holiday, prompting Republican Rep. Mike Garcia to respond

Republican Congressman Mike Garcia slammed progressive Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon on Saturday over a tweet that Gascon posted to commemorate Memorial Day.

“When I was 18 years old, I joined the United States Army,” Gascon tweeted. “I’d like to wish everyone a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend as we reflect on and remember those who have served our country.”

Garcia, who represents California’s 25th congressional district, took issue with the tweet while also criticizing Gascon’s handling of crimes committed in Los Angeles.

“Are you a ghost?” Garcia, a former United States Navy pilot, responded. “If not, you have the wrong holiday @GeorgeGascon.  Veterans Day is in November.   This weekend we honor those who didn’t make it home.  It’s not hard.  Neither is recognizing the difference between felonies and misdemeanors.”

Gascon has been widely criticized over a policy barring his deputy district attorneys from seeking cash bail particularly from families of victims of a crime surge that has plagued Los Angeles in recent years.

Earlier this month, Gascon rolled back that policy.

“After listening to the community, victims and members of this Office, I have decided to allow limited exceptions to the pre-trial release policy while such a program is finalized,” a memo circulated through his office states.