In a recent turn of events, Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon's choice of new Chief of Staff, Tiffany Blacknell, has generated controversy. Blacknell, who has previously proclaimed herself as a 'proud former looter,' during the Rodney King riots and criticized the LAPD at the 2020 BLM riots, is now under scrutiny for being selected for a crucial role in the DA's office.
Blacknell's history as a self-proclaimed former looter and her previous posts on social media, which contained comments such as 'look at these barbarians, LAPD is an occupying army #defund police,' have rekindled flames of contention. In 2019, she also tweeted that 'prison is obsolete, we need to reimagine America without it,' which has further raised eyebrows.
DA George Gascon's decision to appoint Blacknell, a public defender and not a former prosecutor, has sparked a debate concerning the message it conveys to the public. The pick has surprised many, particularly because it follows after overlooking thousands of experienced prosecutors.
The decision has negatively impacted the morale of the thousands of deputy attorneys and tens of thousands of law enforcement officers in L.A County who are striving to solve crime. Gascon's decision has set barriers within the department as the newfound mistrust may affect their collaboration on solving crimes.
Victims and their families could be extensively affected as Gascon's refusal to have prosecutors accompany victims at parole hearings has left victims feeling vulnerable and unsupported. This policy is one that Blacknell will be supporting.
Blacknell's appointment, along with the policies pursued by the DA's office, has resulted in an increasing crime rate in Los Angeles County. Many have called for the removal of Gascon in the 2024 election, following his failure to improve public safety and effectively prosecute violent offenders.
Despite the controversy, both Gascon and Blacknell have remained silent on the matter, neither issuing a statement nor responding to requests for comments. The future of criminal justice in Los Angeles now plays out against a backdrop of controversy and concern. Living up to its role as the voice of the victims will be DA's biggest challenge these coming years.
