Former Sheriff: National Guard Needed to Curb Looting Crisis in L.A.

In the aftermath of devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area, looters have taken advantage of evacuated neighborhoods, with crimes ranging from theft to impersonating firefighters. On The Ingraham Angle, former Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva joined Laura to discuss the alarming situation and offer insights into combating the looting crisis.

National Guard and Law Enforcement’s Role

Villanueva emphasized the critical need for more robust enforcement efforts to protect evacuated neighborhoods. “Getting the National Guard involved to free up the checkpoints in the perimeters around the evacuation zones is one thing,” he stated. He also highlighted the importance of active patrols and traffic stops to deter looters and apprehend suspects. “Doing that enforcement activity…you’re going to start discovering all these looters,” he explained.

However, Villanueva pointed out the challenge of limited resources. “Unfortunately, a lot more got away than the ones that got arrested,” he said, noting the significant scale of the looting. According to him, the shortage of law enforcement personnel on the ground has exacerbated the issue.

The Impact of Lenient Policies

The former sheriff did not shy away from criticizing previous policies that, in his view, have emboldened criminals. “Four years of Gascon’s policies—the zero bail schedule, catch and release—the criminal mindset is still stuck in that narrative,” Villanueva said. He commended D.A. Hochman’s efforts to reverse these trends but acknowledged that progress remains slow due to systemic hurdles.

Villanueva highlighted the severe manpower shortages in local law enforcement agencies. “The sheriff’s department and LAPD are down about 3,000 between the two of them,” he stated, underscoring the strain this places on already overwhelmed officers. “That means you have skeleton crews when you should have a full complement.”

Community Frustration and Calls for Harsher Penalties

As residents return to assess the damage, their frustration over the lack of security grows. Laura shared reports from friends in neighborhoods like Mulholland and Encino Hills, where looters had been spotted but police were unable to respond promptly. Villanueva acknowledged the community’s concerns, stating that the perception of leniency fuels the actions of looters. “Even if they get caught, they’re not going to do any real hard time,” he said.

The conversation turned to potential solutions, with Laura advocating for stricter penalties in emergency situations. Villanueva agreed but criticized local government policies for being out of touch with community needs. “The L.A. County Board of Supervisors pushed their care first, jail last agenda, which is the exact opposite of what the community wants,” he explained. “Now we’re going to have the impact of ideology versus reality.”

A Call for Common Sense

Villanueva expressed frustration over the lack of pragmatic solutions in addressing the crisis. “We have the death of common sense in America, and you’re seeing it play out,” he said. Despite the challenges, he praised the efforts of those working tirelessly to protect their communities and called for more practical and effective measures.

As the looting crisis continues to unfold, Villanueva’s remarks highlight the urgent need for action, from bolstering law enforcement to implementing stricter penalties for offenders. His call for a reality-based approach resonates with a community desperate for safety and justice in the wake of disaster.