Progressive LA prosecutor blasted by colleagues for silence on Israel terror attacks

LA County DA George Gascon speaks at a news conference outside the Hall of Justice in Los Angeles. Hans Gutknecht/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images

Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon responded to a letter from 131 current and retired DA employees calling out his silence on Hamas' terrorist attacks against Israel.

Gascon, who typically does comment on current events in the world, was harshly criticized by his peers in the letter for not acknowledging the attacks or offering condolences to the Jewish people.

"Your Jewish attorneys and their colleagues are imploring you to explain why, since you comment publicly on virtually every newsworthy loss of life around the world, from an outbreak of war to the death of a beloved California senator, you have not seen fit to acknowledge, much less express condolences for the unimaginable terrorist actions of Hamas against civilians in Israel this past week," the letter stated.

"And why, when you repeatedly post on social media and train about the vicarious trauma we sustain while supporting victims of crime in Los Angeles, you have not offered the services of the Bureau of Victim Services (BVS) and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) counseling when so many of us have lost friends, relatives, friends of friends, or are simply reeling from generational trauma as the children and grandchildren of survivors of prior antisemitic mass murder? We are at a loss and await your response," it adds

After the letter, Gascon emailed the entire office with the following statement:

"Dear DA Family, The brutal terrorist attacks on Israel have left the world shaken and many concerned for their safety both at home and abroad. I've spent the last few days connecting with faith leaders and law enforcement to express my commitment to ensuring public safety and that members of our community feel protected. There is no justification for these senseless and inconceivably cruel acts of violence against Israel. My heart goes out to everyone that has been impacted."

"We must stand together to support one another. Please take care of yourself, your loved ones, and your community. Your safety and well-being are of utmost importance to us," he added.