STATEMENT BY SUPERVISOR KATHRYN BARGER CONDEMNING AMBUSH OF SHERIFF’S DEPUTIES AND ANNOUNCING THE INTRODUCTION OF A $100,000 REWARD

LOS ANGELES COUNTY – In response to the tragic and devastating ambush of two Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies last night, Supervisor Kathryn Barger issued the following statement and announced the introduction of a $100,000 reward in collaboration with Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas for any information leading to the capture of the individual who committed this heinous act.

“I am horrified and deeply saddened by the news of two young Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies who were ambushed last night while in their patrol vehicle at the MLK Transit Center in Compton. The lone suspect approached the vehicle from behind and fired several rounds, critically injuring both deputies. The video footage of this heinous act is troubling in the cowardly nature of the crime.  On Tuesday, I will ask my colleagues on the Board of Supervisors to approve my motion co-authored by Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas to issue a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect.

“Over the past several months as our region has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic, I have seen the best in people. There are so many individuals who have shown their true compassion and resiliency in weathering this public health crisis. But we are also bearing witness to the worst in people during these dark times. Communities across the nation, and now here in our county, are becoming victims to those preying on the vulnerable and turning peaceful opportunities into violence. Last night’s horrendous action has made clear to me that the anti-law enforcement rhetoric that has been mixed in with civil unrest has created a toxic and dangerous environment. Not only for those who are working to serve and protect us – but also for those communities they are trying to protect. And it is most ironic that this recent violent act happened outside the MLK Transit Center – a building named for the great leader who spent his short life advocating for peace and compassion in seeking justice.

“This must stop. And I am committed to doing whatever is needed to find balance and bring an end to the forces feeding this violence.”