Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
LA Sheriff’s Chief Of Staff Reassigned After Posting That Andrés Guardado 'Chose His Fate'
()
L.A. Sheriff Alex Villanueva’s chief of staff will be removed from his position and reassigned to the agency’s East Patrol Division after he wrote on Facebook that a young man killed by a Sheriff’s deputy "chose his fate."
The department has also initiated an administrative investigation into Capt. John Burcher’s social media posts, Deputy Trina Schrader told us.
Burcher came under scrutiny when ABC7 uncovered posts on his personal Facebook page about Andrés Guardado, the 18-year-old security guard who was shot five times in the back last month.
Among the posts and comments highlighted by ABC7:
- Burcher asked, "Why so much coverage over Guardado?"
- Burcher argued Guardado "CHOSE his destiny," and the media should pay attention to the cases of two teenage girls who were murdered.
- Burcher also argued with commenters on his Facebook page, calling one an "idiot" and saying to another, "sorry, your life does not matter more than mine does, you racist (expletive.) STFU."
Inspector General Max Huntsman told ABC7 that Burcher’s comments give "reasonable observers cause to believe" the investigation into the Guardado shooting "has been prejudged."
Support for LAist comes from
Burcher’s actions "are inexcusable and further confirm why an independent investigation [into Guardado’s killing] is necessary," said Adam Shea, an attorney for Guardado’s family, in a statement.
MORE ON GUARDADO'S CASE:
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.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons Thursday after suddenly shutting down six months ago. -
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars.
-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
Best of LAist