LAPD pulls officers from Kamala Harris’ security detail after backlash

Last week, a dozen officers had been stationed outside Harris’ residence after President Donald Trump revoked her Secret Service protection. While former vice presidents are normally covered for six months after leaving office, Harris’ detail was extended past the July 21 deadline by President Joe Biden. Trump later rescinded the extension, leaving Harris to be accountable for her own security detail, like other former vice presidents have done.

Instead of Harris hiring private security, the city initially stepped in. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass directed LAPD to assist the California Highway Patrol in guarding Harris’ home, calling Trump’s decision “political retaliation.”

But controversy grew after reports revealed that officers had been diverted from crimefighting units to protect Harris, according to the Los Angeles Times. The Los Angeles Police Protective League’s board criticized the move, saying, “Pulling police officers from protecting everyday Angelenos to protect a failed presidential candidate who also happens to be a multi-millionaire … and who can easily afford to pay for her own security, is nuts.”

“Mayor Karen Bass should tell Governor Newsom that if he wants to curry favor with Ms. Harris and her donor base, then he should open up his own wallet because LA taxpayers should not be footing the bill for this ridiculousness,” the statement added.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Newsom did not confirm the arrangement, but a spokesperson for his office said, “The safety of our public officials should never be subject to erratic, vindictive political impulse.”

While the city’s security support was expected to be temporary until Harris arranged private protection, it drew sharp criticism from taxpayers. The backlash intensified as Harris launches her international book tour for her memoir, “107 Days,” which recounts her short-lived presidential campaign.