Unions representing Los Angeles County prosecutors and law enforcement officers are blasting District Attorney George Gascón’s hiring of controversial Deputy Public Defender Tiffiny Blacknell, a political supporter who has described police officers as “barbarians” and advocated abolishing prisons.
Blacknell’s appointment to an undisclosed executive position is an attempt by Gascón to fill his administration with those who share his progressive philosophies, claimed Eric Siddall, vice president of the Association of Deputy District Attorneys.
“Rather than playing by the hiring rule, Gascon is installing a political ally that will ensure his administration is an echo chamber,” Siddall said Thursday.
Blacknell did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment.