Culver City community members and business owners criticized — and made fun of — U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi Thursday after she briefly discussed Culver City during a fiery Capitol Hill hearing over the Jeffrey Epstein case files.
Bondi Wednesday repeatedly clashed with Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee during her testimony at a Justice Department oversight hearing as they questioned her about the Trump administration’s handling of the case involving the late convicted sex offender.
When U.S. Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove, whose district includes the Westside, questioned Bondi, the attorney general shot back by mentioning Culver City’s crime.
“Her district includes Culver City, and she’s not talking about any crime in her district,” the attorney general said.
But local officials disputed Bondi’s claim after no homicide was reported in the city in 2025. The city’s overall crime was down 9.7% in 2024, and it was reduced by another 6.1% in Quarter 3 of 2025, according to Culver City Mayor Freddy Puza.
“It was news to me that Culver City is full of crime and criminals. That’s not the case,” Puza said as he welcomed people to come, walk or bike around the city. “We have a great inclusive, welcoming city, so I just don’t see what they are talking about.”
The Department of Justice did not respond to NBC Los Angeles’ request for comment. It was not immediately clear why Bondi brough up Culver City.
Comedians like Heather Gardner poked fun at the comment, saying the crimes in the city involved coffee, bagel and ice cream.
“The worst crime in Culver City is that my favorite Mexican restaurant used to serve $3 margaritas, and now they’re $5 margaritas,” the comedian said.
Jennifer Casper, who owns Village Books and Coffee, agreed that Culver City is a great place to raise a family as it is a “lovely place to do business.”
“I hate to put down Los Angeles because I live in Los Angeles and I love it, but two blocks away in Los Angeles, there’s a much bigger crime problem,” Casper said.
One proud Culver City resident named Colin Miller even took a step further by inviting Bondi to visit the area, offering to be her tour guide.
“Pam, I would love to (show you around),” he said. “I have a girlfriend, but I can do it as a friendly thing, just to help her out.”
Allison Craig is a passionate sports writer and analyst with a deep love for game strategies, player performances, and the latest trends in the sports world. With years of experience covering football, basketball, tennis, and more, she delivers insightful analysis and engaging content for sports enthusiasts.
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