Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman warned residents about looters and vowed to punish them Wednesday amid reports of looting in the county as firefighters struggle to contain multiple wildfires in Southern California, including the massive Pacific Palisades blaze.
“While the community comes together to support each other, we are also aware of the individuals who are targeting vulnerable victims to prey on this misfortune, seeking to exploit the vulnerability of those who have already endured so much,” the officer said of justice in a statement.
“Let it be known clearly that those who attempt to illegally profit from the pain and suffering of others – whether through plunder, fraud, theft, burglary or any other form of criminal activity – will not go unpunished.”
PALISADES FIRE: HEIDI MONTAG, SPENCER PRATT LOSE HOME; Celebrities flee the RITZY NEIGHBORHOOD
A firefighter works as the Palisades Fire burns a house on the hillside next to the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades, California, on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)
He promised to hold thieves and other criminals accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
“For those enduring hardships, please know that you are not alone,” he said. “Thank you to our brave first responders who are working tirelessly to protect our community from this devastation. We appreciate you and all you do.”
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said Wednesday that at least two people have been arrested on looting charges and warned would-be copycats to stay out of evacuated homes.
The Palisades Fire burns a beachfront property in Malibu, California, on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)
“If you think about entering any of these areas to steal from our residents, you will be caught, arrested and prosecuted,” he said at a press conference. broadcast on FOX11Los Angeles. ‘Don’t do that! Stay away from these areas. It’s only for first responders and people who live there.’
At least five people have died at the fires According to authorities throughout Southern California.
At least 130,000 people have been ordered to evacuate their homes.
A house burns in the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, Wednesday, January 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Nic Coury)
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California Gov. Gavin Newsom Office said the state was sending more than 7,500 firefighters and support staff to help Los Angeles as the fires continue to rage.
Neighboring states, including Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah and New Mexico, have also sent firefighting resources.
