73% Spike in LA Shootings

The Los Angeles Police Department released first quarter 2021 data showing that shootings in the city have increased by by 73% compared to last year and homicides are up over 30%.  City News Service reports that more than half the shootings were gang related.  While vehicle thefts were up 20%, the Chief of Police was encouraged that the increase appears to have slowed compared to last month.  This comes as Fox News reports that six cities in Los Angeles County have passed no-confidence votes for District Attorney George Gascón, whose policies have restricted prosecutors under his authority from pursuing the full sentences allowed by law for gang members and violent criminals.  As of yesterday the cities of Lancaster, LaMirada, Whittier, Beverly Hills,  Pico Rivera and Santa Clarita have voiced opposition to Gascón.   The progressive DA has also ordered deputies to rescind prior sentencing enhancements in order to give roughly 20,000 convicted criminals the opportunity for early release.