Marysville Mayor Chris Branscum and Councilman Dom Belza claim that the state's lenient crime policies, implemented under then-Attorney General Kamala Harris, have led to an increase in crime, including the recent random attack on the mayor.
Marysville Mayor Chris Branscum and City Councilman Dom Belza have accused the state's "soft-on-crime" policies, implemented under former Attorney General Kamala Harris, of fueling a surge in violence, following a random attack on the mayor.
Branscum and Belza were allegedly assaulted by a homeless suspect, 36-year-old Derek Hopkins, while assessing damage to a historic building in Marysville. The attack occurred last month, and Hopkins was later arrested.
California Officials Blame Kamala Harris' 'Soft-on-Crime' Policies for Surge in Violence
Branscum believes the incident highlights the problems caused by the state's lenient policies towards crime. He blames the policies, including Proposition 47 signed into law in 2014, for a rise in offenses such as drug possession and retail theft.
Belza argues that Proposition 47, which reclassified six minor felony offenses as misdemeanors, has resulted in an increase in crime and decreased consequences for offenders. He claims that this has created a situation where criminals are emboldened to commit further crimes without fear of severe punishment.
California Officials Blame Kamala Harris' 'Soft-on-Crime' Policies for Surge in Violence
Both Branscum and Belza point out that Marysville, a city with only 13,000 residents, is bearing the brunt of problems caused by crime policies primarily supported by more affluent coastal communities. They allege that these communities are bussing their homeless and criminal populations to other areas, creating a burden on smaller towns and cities.
Hopkins faces eight charges, including felony assault of a public official and felony elder abuse. His bail is set at $50,000.
California Officials Blame Kamala Harris' 'Soft-on-Crime' Policies for Surge in Violence
The attack on Branscum has sparked a debate about the effectiveness of California's crime policies. Critics argue that the policies have led to a decrease in law enforcement and emboldened criminals. Supporters maintain that the policies are necessary to reduce mass incarceration and address racial disparities in the criminal justice system.
The Marysville incident has brought attention to the ongoing tensions between rural and urban areas in California over crime and public safety. It remains to be seen whether the state will reconsider its "soft-on-crime" approach in light of the recent high-profile attacks.
