Los Angeles mayoral candidate Nithya Raman did not respond to questions from the California Post on Thursday night regarding her recent comments labeling certain individuals as 'fascist liars' and her plans for replacing LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell. Raman attended a campaign fundraiser at the Black Cat in Silver Lake, where she was previously photographed celebrating during immigration raids in June 2025.
The week has been challenging for Raman, following backlash over a now-deleted social media video in which she stated, 'Only you can stop fascist liars,' accompanied by images of Mayor Karen Bass and LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell. The video included a large red X over McDonnell's face, prompting criticism from the Los Angeles Police Protective League, which expressed concerns about the potential danger to McDonnell and his officers.
When approached by the Post, Raman declined to comment, stating she was at a private event. This was not the first instance; earlier in the week, she similarly avoided questions at City Hall about the video and her choice for McDonnell's replacement.
During a press conference, Mayor Bass criticized Raman's comments as 'incredibly irresponsible' and questioned her readiness for the mayoral role. Raman's campaign clarified that her remarks were directed at federal immigration authorities and the Trump administration, not Bass or McDonnell, asserting that the controversial imagery was added by the video creator.
Raman's spokesperson, Liz Garcia, stated that Raman had been interviewed by social media creators and that her comments were misrepresented in the edited video. Garcia emphasized that Raman disagrees with the LAPD's treatment of protesters during ICE raids.
In response, McDonnell remarked on the protests, referencing his presence during the unrest and questioning the critics' involvement at the time. At the fundraiser, Raman expressed her belief that Los Angeles requires significant change, stating, 'From inside City Hall, I’ve watched the city lose its sense of urgency.'
Raman's comments came shortly after she voted to delay a public safety proposal aimed at addressing homeless encampments near schools and public facilities, a measure that had been pending for 508 days. The proposal, introduced in May 2025, sought to expand restrictions on camping near designated routes and facilities. Despite LAPD officials' testimony on public safety issues related to encampments, Raman, along with Councilmen Hugo Soto-Martínez and Curren Price, voted to postpone the measure for further review, citing the need for more information on its scope, costs, and enforcement.