With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
Gascon Says Lacey Should Prosecute LAPD Cop In Videotaped Beating
The man seeking to unseat L.A. County District Attorney Jackey Lacey in the November election has called on her to file criminal charges against the LAPD officer who was caught on videotape repeatedly punching a man.
Former San Francisco DA George Gascon said the still unidentified officer clearly used excessive force.
“I have a problem with the officer using force," he told us, adding, "I have a problem with the officer witnessing the use of force.”
Sponsored message
He said Lacey should charge the officer with assault under color of authority.
Lacey told us she found the video "disturbing," but said she’s reserving judgement of the officer’s actions until there’s a full investigation.
Lacey said Gascon's decision to press for charges so soon after the incident is "a rather reckless and irresponsible call right now," especially considering Gascon is a former prosecutor.
Gascon said if Lacey had prosecuted more cops, the officer would have been more reluctant to engage in such behavior. She said that’s not a fair criticism, arguing that she has prosecuted a number of officers for excessive use of force.
GO DEEPER:
- LAPD Cop Allegedly Beats Non-Resistant Man
- Your Guide To The LA County District Attorney Race
- Race For LA District Attorney: Key Takeaways From A Contentious -- And Disrupted -- Debate
- LA DA Jackie Lacey Runs For A 3rd Term As A 'Reasonable Reformer'
- George Gascon Has Said 'We Need To Turn Our Court System Upside Down.' Now He's Running To Be LA's Next DA
Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily newsletters. To support our non-profit public service journalism: Donate Now.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
