Despite BLM opposition, Biden includes LA Mayor in inauguration team

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• Incoming president Joe Biden tapped Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti for the team in charge of his inauguration.
• Biden’s move was only after the protest ignited between LA police and demonstrators outside Garcetti’s residence.
• Activists such as Black Lives Matter opposes Garcetti’s appointment in Biden’s cabinet, saying they’re against the mayor’s policies on transportation and other pressing issues.

On Monday, 46th president-elect Joe Biden asked Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti to help organize his upcoming inauguration, amidst continuous opposition from having the former getting any part in the new administration.

Biden’s decision was following the clash between Black Lives Matter demonstrators and LA cops that led to the arrest of a local official,  just outside Garcetti’s official residence. The protest in the area is currently on its 13th successive day.

The demonstrations in front of the well-known Getty House persisted until Monday, with LA BLM members asserting their aim to change Biden’s mind in getting the services of Garcetti in his administration or as a top adviser, as reported by Deadline.

The LAPD was criticized on Sunday after footage shared over social media showed at least one police attempting to hit protesters with a baton, as reported by the LA Times.

A spokeswoman from LAPD explained the incident started when cops attempted to arrest a demonstrator who snubbed several warnings to cease using a bullhorn as it is against the law.

Police Capt. Stacy Spell added the protesters went toward the officers with pushes, kicks, and punches.

The suspect escaped, but transgender protester Jamie Penn, an LA’s Sub-District 3 Democratic Socialist official, was detained for apparently attempting to assist someone getting away from the police’s custody.

According to Deadline, the demonstrators clashed with Garcetti about his policies on transport issues and vagrancy, as well as his backing of the LAPD.

Garcetti’s spokesperson clarified that while the mayor respects the right of free expression, he also understands the challenges that come along with police responsibilities.

Garcetti, who is reportedly being considered to chair either the Department of Commerce or Transportation, also released a statement saying he was privileged to be part of the co-chairing team in charge of Biden’s inauguration on Jan. 20.

Some of the other members of the committee include House Majority Whip Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, D-Delaware, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and the incoming administration senior adviser, Rep. Cedric Richmond, D-La.

Source: New York Post