Mel Gibson Slams California Leadership Amid ‘Rampant Lawlessness and Civil Unrest’

Los Angeles, California — Veteran actor Mel Gibson has publicly criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass over their handling of the violent protests that erupted in Los Angeles last weekend, expressing deep frustration with the local government’s response to ongoing crises.

The 69-year-old star, who lost his home in the devastating Palisades and Eaton wildfires earlier this year, has previously condemned both Newsom and Bass for their management during the catastrophic fires. Now, Gibson’s criticism has intensified amid the recent wave of street violence and civil unrest shaking the city.

Speaking on Fox News contributor Raymond Arroyo’s podcast, Arroyo Grande, Gibson did not hold back as he expressed his outrage at how the city’s leadership is managing the escalating turmoil:

“Gavin Newsom and Karen Bass have already proven their incompetence and poor leadership during the Los Angeles wildfires,” Gibson said bluntly.
“Now, as we experience rampant lawlessness and civil unrest, it’s never been more clear. They are unable to respond effectively and responsibly during calamity. Whether it’s sheer incompetence or outright malevolence, the reality is stark — California is in a state of turmoil.”

Gibson called on his fellow Angelenos to demand change, questioning why the two remain in office amid growing public dissatisfaction:

“I ask my fellow Angelenos, why are Gavin Newsom and Karen Bass still in office? How much more of their destructive decision-making masquerading as leadership are we going to tolerate? It’s time to take back our community and our state and put the power and the privilege in the hands of competent leaders whose goals are to protect us and the way of life this nation was founded upon and promises to offer.”

Official Responses and Political Fallout

A spokesperson for Governor Newsom responded to Gibson’s remarks by saying:

“We know Mr. Gibson has played a cop in the movies, but that doesn’t make him a public safety expert. Perhaps he should stick to his day job.”

Fox News also reached out to Mayor Karen Bass for comment, but she has yet to respond.

Background: A State in Crisis

Gibson’s criticisms come amid a perfect storm of crises for California. As a special ambassador to Hollywood appointed by former President Donald Trump, Gibson lost his home in the Palisades Fire that ignited on January 7, 2025. The wildfires ravaged parts of Southern California, displacing thousands and leaving widespread destruction in their wake.

In February, Gibson joined the “Saving California” movement, which advocates for the recall of Governor Newsom. At a press conference in Altadena on February 27, Gibson was vocally critical of Newsom and Bass’s handling of the fires:

“We deserve much more and much better, and there is absolutely no adequate excuse the governor or mayor can make for this gross mismanagement and failure to preemptively deal with what they knew was coming,” Gibson said, referring to both officials.
“Was it incompetence? Was it indifference, complacency, carelessness? Was it negligence? Absolutely.”

Protests Escalate into Violence

The latest wave of unrest began on June 6 as protests against the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). What started as largely peaceful demonstrations quickly escalated into street violence, rioting, and widespread looting over the past weekend.

In response, President Trump authorized the deployment of 4,000 National Guard troops and 7,000 U.S. Marines to Los Angeles, the nation’s second-largest city. Notably, Trump federalized the National Guard without Governor Newsom’s consent — a rare move not seen in six decades.

Governor Newsom swiftly pushed back, filing a lawsuit to challenge the federalization of the Guard and seeking to regain control. A federal district court judge ruled the president’s order illegal and ordered the Guard returned to state control. However, a federal appeals court issued a stay on that ruling, leaving the Guard under Trump’s authority pending further hearings.

Attempts to Restore Order

With tensions high, Mayor Bass ordered a curfew in parts of downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday, which was later extended through Saturday to help restore order and limit further violence.

Both Newsom and Bass have criticized Trump’s deployment of federal forces and expressed support for immigrant communities. They have urged peaceful protest while condemning acts of violence and destruction.

Political Implications and Future Elections

Governor Gavin Newsom is currently serving his second term and has announced he will not seek re-election in 2026. Meanwhile, Mayor Karen Bass has declared her intention to run for a second term that same year.

Conclusion

Mel Gibson’s pointed rebuke highlights growing dissatisfaction with California’s leadership amid a tumultuous year marked by devastating wildfires and escalating civil unrest. As Los Angeles grapples with the dual crises of environmental disaster and social disorder, the pressure on elected officials to deliver effective solutions continues to mount.

The clash between state and federal authorities over the deployment of the National Guard adds further complexity to an already volatile situation. For the residents of California’s largest city and beyond, the question remains: who will lead them through this period of uncertainty and restore safety, stability, and hope?

As protests continue and political battles unfold, Californians and observers nationwide watch closely, waiting to see if new leadership or strategies can bring the state back from the brink.