Los Angeles City Councilman and 2022 mayoral candidate Joe Buscaino had to be rushed off to safety during a campaign event Monday after a homeless woman pulled out a knife and reportedly threatened to “start killing people.”
The woman was just feet away from Buscaino who, ironically, was addressing the intractable situation along the Venice Boardwalk, which is now home to a massive homeless encampment. A police captain was cut during the scuffle, but is stable.
The suspect,19-year-old Alaia Smith, has been identified as a Washington resident. Locals from the encampment said she goes by the name Angel. She was arrested at the scene.
“I am grateful for my safety, the safety of the public, and the quick action of the Los Angeles Police Department,” Buscaino said in a statement. “This is exactly why I was in Venice Beach today, charting a new course for our city, and I am convinced now, more than ever, that bold action is needed to make our city safer for everyone, regardless of housing status.”