Pam Bondi Attacks Gavin Newsom Over LA Violence Surge and His Incompetence

In a fiery and impassioned public address that has set the political world ablaze, Pam Bondi, the former Florida Attorney General, has launched a scathing attack on California Governor Gavin Newsom over his handling of the escalating violence in Los Angeles.

The comments, made during a packed press conference in May 2025, have sparked an intense debate about leadership, public safety, and the role of government in addressing rising crime.

Bondi’s unflinching criticism of Newsom has not only made headlines but also fueled the ongoing divide between progressive and conservative approaches to crime and law enforcement.

The violence in Los Angeles has surged in recent months, with armed robberies, carjackings, and shootings becoming increasingly common in neighborhoods across the city. Recent data from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) shows a shocking 15% increase in violent crime over just the past two months.

This has reignited public concern about the safety of residents and the adequacy of state responses to these alarming trends. Bondi, speaking out of genuine concern for Californians, has been vocal about what she views as the inadequacy of Newsom’s leadership.

During her press conference, Bondi didn’t mince words as she lambasted Newsom’s administration. "This is not leadership. This is negligence on a grand scale," she stated, her voice rising with frustration.

"Governor Newsom has allowed lawlessness to fester in the streets of Los Angeles, while families live in fear and small businesses are forced to shut down. Californians deserve better."

Bondi’s remarks echoed the sentiments of many residents who have seen their communities slip into chaos without a strong, decisive response from state leadership.

One of the most significant points in Bondi’s critique was her condemnation of Newsom’s progressive policies, which she argues have contributed to the violence.

She pointed specifically to California’s soft-on-crime measures, including zero-bail laws and the culture of permissiveness she believes has allowed crime to spiral out of control. "Californians are paying the price for political experiments that put criminals ahead of victims," Bondi said. "This is not compassion. This is chaos."

Her remarks were directed at what she perceives as a failure to address the root causes of the violence. Bondi believes that these progressive policies, which she claims prioritize the rights of criminals over the safety of law-abiding citizens, have directly contributed to the spike in crime across the city.

She argued that it’s time for Newsom and other progressive leaders to acknowledge the harm their policies have done and take responsibility for the safety of their constituents.

The situation in Los Angeles, as Bondi pointed out, is not just about isolated incidents of crime but about a larger, systemic issue that requires urgent attention. The city’s streets have become increasingly unsafe, with violent crimes becoming a daily occurrence.

Local business owners have spoken out about the impact of the violence on their livelihoods, and residents have expressed their frustration with what they see as a lack of action from Newsom’s office.

One such business owner, Carla Ramirez, whose clothing store in downtown Los Angeles has been robbed twice in the past six months, voiced her agreement with Bondi’s stance. "It’s about time someone said something," she said. "We feel abandoned here. It’s not about politics—it’s about safety."

Despite the widespread concern, Newsom’s office quickly responded to Bondi’s accusations. In a statement, the governor’s press secretary dismissed Bondi’s remarks as politically motivated and uninformed.

"Governor Newsom has taken decisive action to address violence in Los Angeles, including increasing funding for community-based policing, expanding youth intervention programs, and enhancing coordination with local law enforcement," the statement read. "This administration remains committed to real solutions—not grandstanding."

Newsom’s response highlights the divide between his approach to crime and Bondi’s. While Bondi insists on tougher policies and increased law enforcement, Newsom points to his administration’s efforts to address the root causes of crime through programs aimed at community engagement and crime prevention. The debate has become a microcosm of the larger national conversation about crime, policing, and public safety.

But critics of Newsom, including Bondi, argue that the governor’s focus on community-based solutions has not been enough to stem the rising tide of violence in the city.

They contend that while programs like youth intervention and mental health support are important, they fail to address the immediate concerns of residents who are living in fear every day.

The rise in violent crime in Los Angeles, they argue, calls for a more direct and immediate response from the state. Bondi’s call for stronger law enforcement and tougher penalties for criminals has resonated with those who believe that the current approach is too lenient and has failed to protect the public.

The ongoing debate has sparked intense reactions across the political spectrum. Supporters of Bondi’s approach argue that the state’s failure to get tough on crime is a direct result of progressive policies that have made it easier for criminals to thrive.

They view Newsom’s emphasis on rehabilitation and social programs as misguided and argue that it places more importance on the rights of offenders than on the safety of the victims. "We need to prioritize the safety of law-abiding citizens," Bondi said. "Until that happens, we will continue to see chaos in our streets."

On the other hand, Newsom’s supporters argue that a focus on criminal justice reform, rehabilitation, and community-based programs is the right approach for addressing crime in the long term.

They believe that investing in mental health services, educational opportunities, and job training programs can reduce crime rates by addressing the root causes of criminal behavior.

They argue that simply cracking down on crime through stricter law enforcement policies will only exacerbate systemic inequalities and fail to address the underlying issues that lead to criminal activity.

The debate has also spilled over into the upcoming elections, with both sides using the issue of crime to rally their respective bases. Bondi’s remarks have been interpreted by some as a clear shot at Newsom ahead of a possible political run of her own.

Her sharp criticism of the governor and her call for a tougher approach to crime have positioned her as a fierce advocate for law and order, a stance that could resonate with conservative voters in the future.

Bondi’s supporters have praised her for speaking out on behalf of those who feel abandoned by their government, while her critics accuse her of using the tragedy of rising crime as a political tool to further her own ambitions.

In the wake of Bondi’s remarks, media outlets have been divided on the issue. Some have praised her for voicing the concerns of many frustrated residents, while others have accused her of using the crime crisis for political gain.

The tension between those who advocate for strict law enforcement and those who push for criminal justice reform is only growing, and Bondi’s comments have only intensified the national conversation about the best way to tackle crime and ensure the safety of citizens.

For now, the political battle over how to address violence in Los Angeles continues to unfold. Governor Newsom has pledged to continue his efforts to combat crime through social programs and reforms, while Bondi remains steadfast in her call for stronger law enforcement and more aggressive measures to protect the public.

As tensions continue to rise, one thing is clear: the debate over crime, safety, and the role of government in policing is far from over. The fallout from this latest clash between Newsom and Bondi is likely to shape the national political landscape for years to come.