Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon and Cook County States Attorney Kim Foxx, along with a group of prosecutors, endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president on Wednesday. Gascon and Foxx, known as divisive prosecutors, argued that former President Donald Trump would make the country 'less safe.'
In a letter signed by dozens of prosecutors, they highlighted Trump's oversight of a significant murder spike, attempts to cut law enforcement funding, and lack of action on gun violence. They emphasized that Vice President Harris has a track record of holding perpetrators accountable, contrasting it with Trump's legal issues and self-centered focus.
However, Foxx's recent decision not to pursue charges against a Colombian migrant arrested for murder in Chicago has raised concerns. The migrant, Juan David Ramirez-Olivo, was involved in a fatal shooting, but Foxx's office cited 'insufficient evidence' and declined to press charges, despite police recommendations.
On the other hand, Gascon is facing legal challenges from the union representing prosecutors in his office. The lawsuit alleges Gascon withheld information about a close ally facing felony charges, potentially violating the California Public Records Act.
While the endorsements aim to support Harris' stance on crime reduction under the Biden-Harris administration, recent FBI data contradicts this narrative. Initially predicting a 2.1% drop in violent crime, the FBI updated its data to show a 4.5% increase, challenging claims of improved public safety.