Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs Los Angeles Fire Department Deputy (LAFD) Chief Kristine Larson is facing widespread criticism online after comments surfaced in which she appeared to shift blame onto fire victims for their circumstances.Speaking as part of a video that aired during a commercial break for the FOX show 9-1-1 about firefighter capabilities, Larson said, “Am I able to carry your husband out of a fire? He got himself in the wrong place if I have to carry him out.”Her remarks, captured in a resurfaced clip now circulating widely on social media, have sparked outrage among community members and safety advocates, who view them as lacking empathy for victims of fires and emergencies. The comments were originally shared by the right-wing account @EndWokeness on X, formerly Twitter, garnering millions of views and heated debate.Why It MattersThe controversy touches on critical issues of public trust and accountability in emergency services. Larson, a 33-year veteran and the first African American woman to serve as deputy chief of the LAFD, oversees the department’s Equity and Human Resources Bureau. Her role includes championing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Critics argue that her remarks undermine public confidence in the department’s commitment to protecting all residents regardless of circumstance.The backlash is compounded by Larson’s comments emphasizing the importance of firefighters reflecting the communities they serve.”You want to see somebody that responds to your house, your emergency, whether it’s a medical call or a fire call, that looks like you,” she said in the same video. For some, these remarks contrast starkly with her dismissal of victims’ plights.
What To KnowThe incident has ignited a broader conversation about the response to the fires sweeping through Los Angeles this week. Supporters point to Larson’s extensive service record and her role in advancing DEI within the LAFD. However, critics contend that her statements reveal a troubling lack of compassion and speak to misplaced priorities within the fire department.Larson’s remarks have been viewed as a deflection of responsibility rather than an acknowledgment of the challenges faced by victims, regardless of their race, gender or socioeconomic status. Community leaders and safety advocates are calling for the department to address the situation and clarify its stance on victim support.What People Are SayingA communications representative for the LAFD said in a brief response to Newsweek: “That’s not something I can address right now. We are fully in emergency response.”Public reactions to the video have been overwhelmingly critical.Jerry Dunleavy, a journalist and author, wrote on X: “That is indeed LAFD Assistant Chief Kristine Larson, and she indeed said exactly what you heard.”Mario Nawfal, an entrepreneur and Internet personality, wrote on X: “DEI IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN CARRYING PEOPLE OUT OF FIRES,”Geoffrey Ingersoll, the editor in chief at The Daily Caller, wrote on X: “When people’s houses are burning down, they want a firefighter to show up and not make it about anything else.”Rich Kelsey, a lawyer and author, wrote on X: “Assistant Chief? Are you kidding me? This is beyond tone-deaf.”Larson’s defenders highlight her pioneering career and efforts to improve equity in the department. “Her service record speaks volumes,” one supporter said, “but these comments require an explanation.”What’s NextCalls for an official response from the LAFD continue to grow. Community organizations are urging the department to reaffirm its commitment to serving all residents with empathy and professionalism for all Angelenos.Meanwhile, firefighters continue to battle to control a series of major fires in the Los Angeles area, which have killed at least 10 people, devastated communities from the Pacific Coast to Pasadena, and forced over 180,000 people to flee their homes.
