LOS ANGELES – Mayor Karen Bass today issued the following statement:
“Whether it’s determined to be a hate crime or not, what happened in Sylmar early yesterday morning – the burning of crosses on the lawn of a church – invokes a painful history of despicable acts used to terrorize Black people in this country for centuries. Unfortunately, we have seen a rise in hate crimes across this country, especially when it comes to acts against African Americans – and it is possible that this incident is a part of that alarming trend. According to a report released by the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations at the end of last year, Black Angelenos make up 9% of Los Angeles County residents, but made up 46% of racial crime victims in 2022. The report also found that anti-Black crimes jumped 30%. Let me be clear: anti-Black hate has no place in Los Angeles. I spoke with Pastor Pierre Howard yesterday to convey that we will be working with the Los Angeles Police Department to ensure that the individual or individuals responsible for this act are caught and held accountable. My thoughts are with the congregation of Sylmar Christian Fellowship Church as we continue to chart our path forward, together.”