LA Cops Rush to ‘Burglary’ at Kamala Harris’ Brentwood Home as Fires Spark Looting Chaos: Live Updates
By Rachel Bowman for DailyMail.com
Published: 08:58 EST, 12 January 2025 | Updated: 10:31 EST, 12 January 2025
Police rushed to the Brentwood home of Vice President Kamala Harris on Saturday morning after reports of a potential burglary, amid the ongoing chaos caused by devastating wildfires that have ravaged Los Angeles. The two men detained were later released after police found no evidence of any criminal activity.
The incident highlights the growing concern over looting in neighborhoods affected by the infernos, which have left 16 people dead, destroyed over 29,000 acres of land, and forced 180,000 people to evacuate. At least 20 people have been arrested for looting in evacuation zones across the Los Angeles area.
The fires, which have burned for days, have also led to the arrest of at least two people on suspicion of arson, as suspected actors aim to start new blazes in recent days. Firefighters have been working tirelessly to contain the flames, but strong winds are forecast to return on Sunday, sparking fears of further devastation.
The Palisades Fire, the largest of the Los Angeles wildfires, has scorched over 23,000 acres and levelled homes, businesses, and structures, with at least 11 people killed. The Eaton Fire, the deadliest of the blazes, has claimed 14,000 acres and destroyed 7,000 structures, resulting in the deaths of eight people.
Despite relief efforts, charities and government agencies are overwhelmed by donations, with some scams emerging. Experts have warned of the risks of donating to unverified organizations, and residents are advised to be cautious of scammers.
In the midst of the chaos, fires have also claimed the homes of some celebrities, including actor Mel Gibson, who has lost his property in the inferno. As the crisis continues, Californian Governor Gavin Newsom has faced criticism for his response, with some pointing to $100 million in funding cuts to wildfire prevention programs.
As the crisis deepens, the LA elite are turning to private firefighters, with some hiring expensive teams to save their multi-million-dollar homes. The move has drawn ire from many, who feel it is a privileged elite responding to a crisis that affects the city’s working-class residents most.
The fires have also taken a toll on wildlife, with mountain lions, goats, and donkeys fleeing to safety, while the city’s shelters fill with lost pets. As the situation continues to unfold, the city’s residents are left wondering when they can return to their homes and what the future holds for the city.
