Amid a wave of violence outside a Los Angeles synagogue, deputy district attorneys raise concerns about their boss's silence on antisemitism, alleging preferential treatment of protesters.
In the wake of violent clashes outside a Los Angeles synagogue, deputy district attorneys are raising concerns about their boss's handling of antisemitic incidents, alleging a disturbing pattern of silence and preferential treatment for anti-Israel agitators.
The violence erupted last week outside the Adas Torah synagogue on Pico Boulevard, prompting condemnation from high-profile Democrats, including President Biden, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. However, according to prosecutors, there was a notable silence from District Attorney George Gascon, the official tasked with prosecuting criminal acts related to the clashes.
Gascon's Silence on Antisemitism Emboldens Protesters, Say L.A. Prosecutors
Veteran prosecutor Brian Schirn, who helms the DA's narcotics division, expressed concern over what he perceives as different treatment based on religious affiliation. "I hate going to work and entering a building where I feel like my boss will treat me differently simply because I'm Jewish," he said.
Schirn and other deputy district attorneys pointed to several key issues, including Gascon's slow response to Hamas' terror attack on Israel in October, his endorsements from groups accused of antisemitism, and the disproportionate number of Jewish plaintiffs in whistleblower retaliation lawsuits filed by fellow prosecutors.
Gascon's Silence on Antisemitism Emboldens Protesters, Say L.A. Prosecutors
They allege that Gascon took a more aggressive stance against pro-Israel counterprotesters who joined the Adas Torah clashes, but not against the antisemitic mob that initiated the violence. Jewish prosecutors have reportedly been passed over for promotions, and Gascon addressed the Hamas rampage only after a letter from over 130 employees.
In his response to the letter, Gascon did not mention Hamas or use the term "antisemitism," but his office condemned antisemitism and "all forms of hatred" in a statement to Fox News.
Gascon's Silence on Antisemitism Emboldens Protesters, Say L.A. Prosecutors
Another retaliation lawsuit was filed by John Lewin, a Jewish veteran cold case prosecutor who returned from leave to assist with a murder trial. "I have no idea what George Gascon personally believes, but from what I can tell, he doesn’t personally believe anything other than what will further his political ambition," Lewin stated.
Protesters have staged anti-Israel demonstrations on college campuses and outside the Adas Torah synagogue, and Gascon's silence on these incidents has sent the wrong signal, according to Nathan Hochman, Gascon's challenger in the upcoming election. "Vile and reprehensible" speech may be protected by the First Amendment, Hochman said, but rioting, violence, and hate crimes are not.
Gascon's Silence on Antisemitism Emboldens Protesters, Say L.A. Prosecutors
Gascon's office denied allegations of antisemitism, claiming to be expanding the Equity Action Team and promoting a fair and transparent hiring process. However, Hochman countered that the DA's office is filled with unqualified personnel, pointing to the arrests of Gascon's No. 2 and No. 3 and the criminal charges faced by his chief of staff.
"The fact that these three people who lead the DA's office under Gascon are either unqualified, underqualified, or right now being charged with criminal conduct is an indication of the catastrophic incompetence by which Gascon has run that office," Hochman said.
Gascon's Silence on Antisemitism Emboldens Protesters, Say L.A. Prosecutors
Fox News' Bradford Betz contributed to this report.
