Mel Gibson on Fires: ‘Leaders Were Asleep on the Job, Community Deserves Answers’

On a recent segment of The Ingraham Angle, Academy Award-winning actor and director Mel Gibson opened up about the devastating loss of his Malibu home to the Palisades fire. In an emotional conversation with Laura, Gibson shared his reflections on the tragedy, community resilience, and leadership failures.

“It Looked Like Dresden”

Gibson described learning of the fire while appearing on Joe Rogan’s podcast. He knew his neighborhood was engulfed in flames and felt tense but relieved his family was safe. Visiting the site of his destroyed home, he painted a grim picture.

“When I got there the other day, it looked like Dresden after Bomber Harris got through with it,” Gibson said. Despite losing rare books, art, and other irreplaceable items, he expressed gratitude.

“These are things, and they may or may not be replaceable, but they’re only things. We’re still here,” he reflected.

A Call for Accountability

Gibson criticized California’s leaders for their lack of preparedness and response. He pointed to issues like low water pressure in fire hydrants and questioned the management of fire resources.

“One always suspects this might happen, but you think resources will be ready. Apparently, some people were asleep on the job — mainly our leaders,” Gibson remarked.

He raised concerns about systemic failures and the discovery of an alleged arsonist in the area. “You start to wonder, is there a purpose behind this? Do they want the state empty?” he asked.

Community and Spiritual Resilience

Gibson highlighted the solidarity among neighbors during the crisis. His son, a volunteer firefighter, assisted local efforts to manage the blaze.

“There are neighbors I have that I felt worse for than myself,” Gibson said, emphasizing the strength of his community. He urged people to focus on family, faith, and community during such challenging times.

Criticism of Political Agendas

Gibson also addressed discussions about rebuilding with high-density housing. He expressed skepticism about whether such policies benefit communities.

“It reminds me of the old cattle barons clearing people off the land,” he said. He questioned the motivations behind these ideas, noting their potential harm to residents.

Moving Forward with Creativity

Gibson spoke about his upcoming film Flight Risk, describing it as pure entertainment for times of crisis. He also discussed his long-awaited project The Resurrection, a sequel to The Passion of the Christ.

“It’s ambitious, like an acid trip dealing with big questions and other realms,” Gibson shared. He revealed that the project had been in development for over six years.

A Personal Connection

Laura reflected on her friendship with Gibson, recalling his support during her cancer treatment two decades ago. His words of wisdom then mirrored his advice now: to focus on what truly matters.

“Thank you for reminding us that our spiritual life sustains us in these very challenging, difficult, tragic times,” Laura said in closing.

Gibson’s account was a poignant reminder of the human spirit’s resilience and the need for accountability from leaders. As California faces mounting challenges, his story highlights the importance of preparedness, community, and faith in navigating disasters.