This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
'Political Bullet' Shoots Huizar Campaign In The Foot
Photo by visualpanic via LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr
Photo by visualpanic via LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr
Michael Trujillo, a consultant for Los Angeles City Councilman Jose Huizar, was fired after sending an e-mail to supporters on Friday about putting a "political bullet" in the forehead of their campaign's opponent. "We are about to put a political bullet in between Rudy Martinez's forehead and make him pee in his pants too," the e-mail said, reports ABC Local.
Eagle Rock businessman Rudy Martinez, recently hit with questions about a 2005 incident about his possession of an LAPD badge, is running in the upcoming March 8 election for a city council seat currently held by incumbent Huizar. The highly questionable and inflammatory rhetoric of the e-mail comes only weeks after Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was shot in the head, six people died and thirteen were injured during an public event in Tucson, AZ.
Reports ABC Local, "Martinez said he feels threatened. 'The fact that the councilman fired his campaign manager over this is quite not enough for me,' Martinez said. 'I didn't receive an apology and I'm scared for my own life, I'm scared for my family. It's sad that politics had to come to this.' "
On Sunday, a Huizar campaign official issued this statement:
"I became aware of Mr. Trujillo's e-mail this morning and immediately terminated his relationship with our campaign," the statement said. "The remarks were inappropriate, disrespectful and offensive. On behalf the campaign, I apologize to Mr. Martinez for this breech."
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
