A recent House Judiciary Committee hearing focused on the Department of Justice’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation took an unexpected turn when U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi questioned the crime rate in Culver City, California.
Bondi’s Comments Spark Outcry
Bondi made the comments during a heated exchange with California Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove, whose district includes Culver City. Kamlager-Dove had been pressing Bondi on deleted Department of Justice data. Bondi responded by stating that Kamlager-Dove “is not talking about any crime in her district… nothing about helping crime in her district. She’s not even worth getting into the details.”
Bondi’s remarks drew swift criticism from Culver City officials and residents, who pointed to recent crime statistics. Mayor Freddy Puza responded on Instagram, noting that crime in the city was down an additional 6.1% in the third quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
Crime Statistics Contradict Bondi’s Claim
According to the Culver City Police Department, violent crime declined 3.9% in 2024. Murders dropped to zero, and cases of aggravated assault, kidnapping, and robbery also fell. The only violent crime that saw an increase was simple assault, rising 8.1%. The California Department of Justice and the FBI reported in 2024 that crime in the state had fallen to “among the lowest levels ever recorded.”
Bondi also directed criticism at other lawmakers during the hearing, calling Representative Jamie Raskin a “washed-up loser lawyer” and accusing Representative Thomas Massie of suffering from “Trump derangement syndrome.” Her performance has prompted bipartisan calls for her resignation, including from conservative commentators.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Pam Bondi’s comments about Culver City?
Bondi made the comments during a heated exchange with Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove during a House Judiciary Committee hearing about the Department of Justice’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
What is the current crime trend in Culver City?
Crime in Culver City declined 9.7% in 2024 and was down an additional 6.1% in the third quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, according to the Culver City Police Department.
How did Culver City officials respond to Bondi’s remarks?
Mayor Freddy Puza responded to Bondi’s statement on Instagram, pointing out the declining crime rate in the city and characterizing her comments as a “knee-jerk reaction.”
Given the conflicting information presented, will the focus shift back to the core issues of the Epstein investigation and the Department of Justice’s handling of sensitive case files?
