Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon and Cook County States Attorney Kim Foxx, along with dozens of other prosecutors, endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president, arguing that former President Donald Trump would make the country “less safe.” They highlighted Trump’s oversight of the largest murder spike in history, attempts to cut funding for law enforcement, and lack of action on gun violence. Gascon and Foxx emphasized that Harris has a record of holding perpetrators accountable, while Trump has a criminal history of fraud and sexual abuse.
Foxx’s endorsement came shortly after her office declined to pursue charges against a Colombian migrant arrested for murder in Chicago. Despite the Chicago Police Department pushing for the migrant to be charged with involuntary manslaughter, Foxx’s office opted not to press charges, citing insufficient evidence. Meanwhile, Gascon is facing legal challenges from the union representing prosecutors in his office, including a lawsuit for withholding information in violation of the California Public Records Act. The union sought information about a top Gascon aide facing felony charges, including details about her employment status and taxpayer funding for her defense.
The endorsement from Foxx, Gascon, and other prosecutors was intended to support Harris’ claim that crime has decreased under the Biden-Harris administration. However, new FBI data contradicts this assertion, showing that violent crime actually increased by 4.5% from 2021-2022. This increase in crime may undermine the prosecutors’ endorsement of Harris and the administration’s record on public safety. The endorsement also raises questions about the priorities and effectiveness of prosecutors who support political candidates, as well as their ability to prioritize public safety over political allegiances.
Gascon and Foxx have been criticized for their approaches to prosecuting crime, with Gascon facing backlash from his office’s prosecutors for withholding information and Foxx facing criticism for her office’s handling of criminal cases. Foxx’s decision not to pursue charges against the Colombian migrant accused of murder has sparked controversy and raised concerns about public safety in Chicago. Additionally, Gascon’s legal troubles with the union representing his prosecutors highlight the potential conflicts within his office and its impact on the criminal justice system.
The endorsement of Harris by Gascon, Foxx, and other prosecutors underscores the political divisions within the criminal justice system and the challenges of balancing public safety with political objectives. The prosecutors’ decision to support Harris over Trump reflects their belief in Harris’ commitment to law enforcement and accountability for offenders. However, the recent increase in violent crime calls into question the effectiveness of their endorsement and the Biden-Harris administration’s approach to public safety. Ultimately, the prosecutors’ endorsement highlights the complexities of law enforcement and the need for a balanced approach to addressing crime and promoting public safety.
