"Stop using COVID-19 to further your political agenda. The blood of the children being shot by out-of-control gang members in our city is on your hands and on the hands of every person who does not make public safety a priority"

(Smittcamp)

At a recent press conference, Fresno County District Attorney, Lisa Smittcamp and Fresno Police Chief Andy Hall called Governor Gavin Newsom out on the release of violent inmates into the community due to COVID 19 and California bail changes.

"Stop using COVID-19 to further your political agenda. The blood of the children being shot by out-of-control gang members in our city is on your hands and on the hands of every person who does not make public safety a priority," said Ms. Smittcamp.

"Our jails and our prisons are essential services to our community. Holding criminals accountable is the very foundation or cornerstone of our justice system," said Chief Hall.

Ms. Smittcamp said while she isn't against criminal justice reform, she is against misinformation and lies. Inmates being released include violent offenders. "It's just another example of poor management on the state level."

Ms. Smittcamp said that schools, hospitals, grocery stores, police departments and barbershops have managed to take proper precautions during the COVID-19 pandemic with proper precautions, and Newsom should find a way to make sure prisons are do the same without having to close.