Pam Bondi Voices Concerns About Crime in Culver City, but the Mayor and Locals See It Differently
Culver City Residents React to Controversial Remarks by Attorney General Pam Bondi
Culver City, California—Recent comments made by former Trump administration Attorney General Pam Bondi during a House Judiciary Committee hearing have sparked confusion and outrage among local residents and city officials. Bondi claimed that Culver City was one of the locations in Southern California that harbored "violent, dangerous people" while discussing the release of Jeffrey Epstein files—a statement that has been met with significant backlash.
Culver City Mayor Freddy Puza expressed his shock upon hearing Bondi reference the city amidst a heated exchange with Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, who represents the area. "It was so shocking," Puza remarked, recalling how he learned of the mention through text alerts rather than watching the hearing live. "Culver City? Like, what are you talking about?" he said.
During the hearing, Kamlager-Dove pressed Bondi on the necessity of transparency regarding the Epstein files, asserting, "Stop taking down reports that you know the American people need to know about. There are violent, dangerous people with real threats." In response, Bondi stated, "There are in your district!" referring to Culver City, which drew immediate criticism.
Some residents voiced concerns that Bondi’s comments were not only unfair but also a diversion from the critical discussion surrounding the Epstein files. Longtime resident and realtor Julio Leyva called the remarks "an insult" and "a deflection." Leyva, who has lived in Culver City for 25 years, emphasized the city’s safety and vibrancy, stating, "It is a safe place to raise a family. It is convenient, it’s healthy, it’s a proud city, and I’m so happy to live here."
Several residents echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the focus of the hearing should have remained on the matter of Epstein’s files rather than shifting to crime allegations. "There’s no way that she actually wants to address any of the issues that she’s been asked about, so deflect, deflect, deflect," said resident Marize Alphonso.
Mayor Puza pointed to recent crime statistics, reporting a 9.7% decline in crime for 2024 and an additional 6.1% drop through the third quarter of 2025 compared to the previous year. He described Culver City as "a very inclusive, welcoming city" that hosts major corporations such as TikTok and Sony Studios, while also highlighting the community’s sense of belonging.
In light of the controversy, Puza has extended an invitation to Bondi to visit Culver City and experience its community firsthand. As the city awaits a full year-end crime report in the coming weeks, discussions around the implications of Bondi’s remarks continue to unfold.
Attempts by local media to obtain a response from Bondi’s office have so far gone unanswered.
