Actor James Woods criticized Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon after two police officers were shot and killed by a gang member. The officers, Cpl. Michael Paredes and Officer Joseph Santana, were attacked at a motel by a felon on probation. Critics argue that Gascon's lenient policies on charges and sentences for gun-related offenses contributed to the tragedy. Gascon's mandate forbidding prosecutors from filing additional charges for gun use received backlash. Woods took to social media, blaming Gascon for the officers' deaths and calling for his recall and imprisonment. Justin Flores, the shooter, had received a 20-day jail sentence and had part of a gun possession charge dropped due to Gascon's policies. Gascon also faced criticism for a directive requiring taxpayers to pay for the funeral and burial expenses of individuals killed by police, including the cop killer in this incident. Former District Attorney Steve Cooley and Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva joined the chorus of critics, denouncing Gascon's approach as anti-victim and arguing that taxpayers should not support criminal conduct. An assistant prosecutor, John Lewin, accused Gascon of incompetence and dereliction of duty, holding him responsible for the officers' deaths. The incident sparked outrage among L.A. County residents and led to calls for Gascon's accountability.

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