California’s political theater reached a new low when Governor Gavin Newsom, under scrutiny after a protester fired a gun at federal agents during an ICE raid, decided to shift blame and hurl insults at a conservative social media influencer rather than seriously address the escalating violence and lawlessness in his own backyard.
At a Glance
- An anti-ICE protest at a Ventura County cannabis farm raid erupted in violence when a demonstrator fired a handgun at federal agents.
- Governor Newsom condemned the violence but then lashed out at the “Libs of TikTok” account, deflecting scrutiny by referencing January 6.
- The FBI has announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to the shooter’s arrest, as the suspect remains at large.
- The incident highlights California’s ongoing clash between federal law enforcement, state-level sanctuary policies, and the growing influence of online outrage.
A Governor’s Priorities: Insults Over Accountability
On July 10, a lawful immigration enforcement raid at two cannabis operations in Ventura County devolved into chaos when a protester fired a handgun at federal agents. The shocking moment was caught on video and quickly went viral. Rather than focusing on the dangerous attack on law enforcement, Governor Gavin Newsom took to X (formerly Twitter) to engage in a political squabble.
When challenged by the conservative account “Libs of TikTok” to condemn the assault, Newsom responded with the bare minimum before immediately deflecting. “Of course I condemn any assault on law enforcement, you s— poster. Now do Jan 6,” he posted. The governor’s response—using vulgarity and whataboutism instead of leadership—speaks volumes about his priorities.
Law Enforcement Under Fire in the Golden State
The FBI has taken the attack seriously, offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the shooter, who remains at large. Federal agents conducting these raids now operate in an environment where they are not only obstructed by state sanctuary policies but are also being physically attacked by radicalized activists.
Gunfire at federal agents marks a dangerous escalation from the usual protests. This is not civil disobedience; it is criminal violence. Yet, instead of a sober examination of the policies and rhetoric that led to this moment, California’s leadership is more concerned with scoring points against online critics.
When ‘Whataboutism’ Replaces Leadership
The role of social media in this incident cannot be ignored. Influencers like “Libs of TikTok” are shining a light on stories the mainstream media often downplays.
Of course I condemn any assault on law enforcement, you shit poster.
Now do Jan 6. https://t.co/7DBFqGVQS1
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) July 11, 2025
Newsom’s decision to attack the messenger rather than confront the issue is telling. By immediately invoking January 6, he attempts to distract from his own administration’s failure to maintain law and order and to protect law enforcement officers operating within his state.
This incident did not happen in a vacuum. It is the predictable result of years of anti-enforcement rhetoric and sanctuary policies that have created a climate of hostility toward federal law enforcement. When a governor’s first instinct is to hurl insults and change the subject, it leaves citizens wondering who, if anyone, is actually in charge.
