‘We don’t support Karen Bass’: Angry locals confront LA Mayor at Golden Dragon Parade following criticism over emergency response and civic funding

What was meant to be a festive celebration in the heart of Los Angeles took an uncomfortable turn when Mayor Karen Bass was met with loud boos from members of the public during a high-profile parade appearance. Riding through the city in a sleek white convertible, the 72-year-old mayor found herself at the centre of visible public anger that quickly overshadowed the day’s cultural significance.



The incident unfolded during the 127th annual Golden Dragon Parade, a longstanding Lunar New Year tradition that draws thousands to Los Angeles’ Chinatown. Instead of applause, Bass was greeted by heckling from onlookers as she waved and addressed the crowd. The reaction reflected mounting frustration over recent accusations that the mayor downplayed failures within the Los Angeles Fire Department following the Palisades fire.

Videos shared widely on social media captured the moment the mood shifted. As Bass encouraged residents to show unity and support for Chinatown, voices from the crowd shouted their disapproval. One man recording the scene could be heard openly rejecting her message, declaring that while the community supported Chinatown, it did not support the mayor herself.





Throughout the route, the booing continued, with chants calling for Bass to step down. The mayor attempted to keep her focus on the event, wishing attendees a happy Lunar New Year and speaking about preserving Chinatown’s cultural and economic identity. However, her words were repeatedly drowned out by jeers accusing her of mismanagement and broken promises.

The individual filming the encounter urged others to vote against Bass, alleging that her policies had led to reduced funding for essential city services. Claims shouted from the crowd included accusations that road repairs had stalled and that neighbourhoods like Chinatown were suffering as a result of budget cuts. While the mayor did not directly respond to the accusations during the parade, the tension was unmistakable.



The backlash comes at a sensitive moment for Bass, who has recently faced criticism over her handling of the Palisades fire. Detractors argue that officials failed to fully acknowledge shortcomings within emergency services, fuelling distrust among residents already frustrated by issues such as infrastructure decay and public cleanliness.



Public appearances have long been a measure of political temperature, and this moment offered a stark snapshot of a divided city. For supporters of the mayor, the parade disruption was seen as disrespectful to a cultural celebration. For critics, it was an opportunity to voice grievances in a highly visible setting.

As the videos continue to circulate online, the encounter has sparked debate about leadership, accountability and the growing willingness of voters to confront elected officials in public. While Bass remains in office, the reaction at the Golden Dragon Parade suggests that discontent is no longer confined to online commentary or opinion polls.



What should have been a symbolic show of unity instead exposed deeper fractures within Los Angeles. The boos echoing through Chinatown served as a reminder that for many residents, festive occasions no longer mask political frustration, and public trust, once shaken, is difficult to restore.