California governor Newsom accuses Musk of ‘encouraging looting’ with misleading LA fires claim

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy California governor Gavin Newsom has accused Elon Musk of “encouraging looting” after the billionaire shared posts on his social media platform X that claimed the politician had “decriminalised” it. Bad actors will be arrested and prosecuted.” Mr Musk had shared a tweet in which Mr Newsom was filmed in an interview warning people against looting, but the caption read: “LOOTING: Newsom and California Democrats literally decriminalized looting, barring police from arresting looters and prosecutors from prosecuting them. LA County Sheriff Roger Luna described the looting as “unacceptable behaviour” and hoped having soldiers would “help send a stronger message”. In November 2024, California residents then voted to pass Proposition 36, which enacted harsher penalties for retail theft, property crimes and drug offences, effectively undoing parts of Proposition 47.