LOS ANGELES – Mayor Bass issued the following statement today after Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna released footage showing a violent confrontation with African American mothers in Palmdale:
“This video is enraging and disturbing.
“The idea that you would assault a mother with a child in her arms and then subject that child to the child welfare system just because the child didn’t have a car seat is an abuse of power. When a child goes into the child welfare system, it can take months for that child to be returned. That process can result in lifelong trauma for both the mother and the child.
“The acts in this video must be condemned openly – and those responsible must be held fully accountable – which is why I want to thank Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna for bringing this video to light. Transparency and accountability are vital pillars of public safety and I know that Sheriff Luna will work to ensure that those involved in this incident are held appropriately accountable.
"Over the past years, voices demanding change have grown. Today represents a step towards progress – but also a reminder that we have a long way to go.”