Two individuals were detained near Vice President Kamala Harris' home in Brentwood, California, early Saturday morning, after police were called about a suspected burglary amid a citywide curfew due to the ongoing wildfires ravaging Los Angeles.
Law enforcement had initially responded to a report of a potential burglary at the property, but no evidence of such a crime was found, and the suspects were instead taken into custody for violating curfew restrictions.
Newsweek reached out to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and Harris' office via email for comment on Sunday.
The Context
The Palisades Fire has devastated parts of Los Angeles, consuming nearly 24,000 acres and leading to mass evacuations, including in Harris' neighborhood. Authorities imposed a curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. in affected areas to curb looting and ensure safety.
What To Know
The LAPD received a call at approximately 4:40 a.m. on Saturday regarding a possible burglary at Harris' Brentwood home, which was under an evacuation order due to the advancing wildfire, according to local news channel KTLA 5.
Upon arrival, officers discovered two individuals on the premises but found no evidence of forced entry or theft. They were detained for violating the curfew imposed to prevent looting and unauthorized access in fire-stricken zones.
"They likely had no idea where they were," law enforcement said, according to local NBC affiliate channel 4 Los Angeles.
Harris was not present at the home at the time of the incident, according to Ernie Apreza, the vice president's press secretary. The suspects were later released as authorities determined they had not committed burglary.
The Brentwood neighborhood is also home to numerous high-profile celebrities. Harris originally hails from California and represented the state as a senator before she was elected as President Joe Biden's vice president.
Looting, meanwhile, has been reported in Los Angeles as the fires continue to burn.
Last week, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna announced the arrest of two looters who had been caught allegedly trying to steal from a home in the city. Their identities and details of their alleged crimes have not yet been released. At least 20 suspected looters have been detained, according to local authorities.
What People Are Saying
An LAPD spokesperson told KRON 4 in a statement: "We are continuing to monitor affected areas closely to ensure public safety and prevent looting,"
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna emphasized the importance of the curfew order: "The measure is in place to protect evacuees' homes from potential crimes while they seek shelter elsewhere."
Vice President Kamala Harris posted on X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday: "From our heroic first responders to the neighbors who are helping each other, Californians are stepping up and showing the best of the American spirit in a moment of crisis. Our Administration will continue to do everything we can to support state and local response efforts."
What Happens Next
The LAPD continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident near Harris' home, though no further charges are expected against the detained individuals. Meanwhile, firefighters continue battling the fires, which remain a significant threat to homes and communities across Los Angeles County.
Biden has declared the California wildfires a major disaster, directing federal resources to assist with containment and recovery efforts. As the situation unfolds, local authorities are urging residents to comply with evacuation orders and remain vigilant against potential criminal activities in impacted areas.
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