Schwarzenegger: “LA Has Returned” Thanks to New District Attorney
D.A. Nathan Hochman pledges to dismantle George Gascón’s progressive policies and prioritize the safety of residents.
LOS ANGELES—On December 3, former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger officiated the swearing-in of newly elected District Attorney Nathan Hochman outside the Hall of Justice in downtown Los Angeles.
“I’m donning these sunglasses today because they say, ‘I’ll be back,’“ remarked the actor and former bodybuilder, referencing his iconic line from “The Terminator.”
“And I wanted to wear them because Los Angeles is ready to rebound.”
As winter clouds cleared, sunshine illuminated the outdoor ceremony, where city and county officials celebrated what they believe will mark the beginning of a new era of public safety in a city grappling with escalating lawlessness.
Several hundred spectators gathered on the street to witness city leaders and invited guests extend a warm welcome to Hochman, 61, as he stepped into his new role.
“I’m thrilled to have you as our next district attorney,” Schwarzenegger told Hochman, who stood alongside his wife, Vivienne Vella, on the podium that Tuesday afternoon. “I arrived in Los Angeles 56 years ago as an immigrant because it was the hub of bodybuilding, the center of the movie industry, and a beacon of innovation. Everything was wonderful here. However, what I have observed in recent years is disheartening.”
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Residents of Los Angeles County have faced multiple crime surges characterized by flash-mob robberies, retail theft, follow-home burglaries, and home invasions since former District Attorney George Gascón took office in 2020.
“This is outrageous, ladies and gentlemen,” Schwarzenegger stated. “This city deserves far better.”
Hochman’s initial order on Tuesday was to revoke Gascón’s sweeping policies that restricted prosecutors from charging suspects in certain instances and imposed limitations on enhancements that could add years to sentences for gang-related and gun offenses.
Under Gascón’s policies, capital punishment was largely off the table, many crimes were downgraded, and there were restrictions on prosecuting drug possession and trespassing cases.
One particular policy prevented prosecutors from supporting victims at parole hearings.
“These policies were ruthless, and they are abolished effective today,” he declared.
Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger swears in Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman on Dec. 3 as his wife Vivienne Vella observes. Nathan Hochman
Hochman committed to charging cases based on their individual merits and sought to find a balanced approach by evaluating each case separately.
“We stand together as Angelenos, representing the 10 million constituents of the district attorney’s office, who desire to live in a county where safety is prioritized, laws are upheld, lawbreakers are held accountable, and the journey to justice is fair, impartial, ethical, and effective.”
District Attorney Nathan Hochman speaks to reporters and supporters after his swearing-in ceremony at the Los Angeles Hall of Justice on Dec. 3. Jill McLaughlin/The Epoch Times
Hochman also expressed his commitment to supporting the prosecutors in his office, many of whom opposed Gascón’s policies in recent years.
His approach includes a three-pronged strategy aimed at tackling implicit and explicit racial bias in prosecutions, exonerating the innocent, and conducting investigations solely on law enforcement personnel engaging in criminal activities.
He plans to establish task forces to address issues like homelessness, fentanyl abuse, human trafficking, hate crimes, organized retail theft, and residential break-ins.
Additionally, he intends to implement initiatives targeted at educating children from fifth grade about the repercussions of poor choices while also providing training to ex-convicts to ensure they acquire valuable skill sets upon release.
District Attorney Nathan Hochman addresses the audience at the Hall of Justice. Jill McLaughlin/The Epoch Times
According to Hochman, nearly half of the individuals released from Los Angeles County prisons return to incarceration. By teaching coding skills, he aspires to mitigate or completely eliminate the flows of criminal activity and enhance community safety.
His proposals ignited excitement among numerous city and county officials during the swearing-in event on Tuesday.
Councilwoman Traci Park of Los Angeles stated that the community shares a “new sense of relief and hope.”
“For far too long, we have observed Los Angeles spiral into chaos and lawlessness,” Park remarked during the ceremony. “Law enforcement repeatedly arrests the same offenders, only to see them back on the streets, free to commit more crimes.”
She noted that the city has also seen a rise in international gangs exploiting travel visas for organized crime, believing they can evade the legal system.
A crowd of hundreds gathers in front of the Los Angeles Hall of Justice on Dec. 3 to witness the swearing-in of Nathan Hochman by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Jill McLaughlin/The Epoch Times
“Our families, businesses, and neighborhoods have all been part of failed social experiments that prioritize criminals over the community and vilify law enforcement,” Park asserted. “But that changes today.”
Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell also expressed optimism for a fresh start in the county.
“Today signifies the beginning of an exhilarating new chapter in Los Angeles County’s ongoing pursuit of justice and public safety,” McDonnell stated.
Various officials, including Chair of the County’s Board of Supervisors Kathryn Barger and Sheriff Robert Luna, were present and addressed the gathering. A statement from Mayor Karen Bass was read by her office.
