LASD Deputies Skip Baker to Vegas Race in Protest of Colleague’s Excessive Force Charge" **Why It Matters:** Sheriff’s deputies boycott the famed

# LASD Faces Growing Boycott Over Baker to Vegas Relay Following Controversial Deputy's Participation

*Breaking Now News –* The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) is under fire as law enforcement agencies across the nation withdraw from the annual Baker to Vegas Relay in protest of Deputy Trevor Kirk’s participation. Kirk, who has faced multiple allegations of excessive force, remains a polarizing figure, sparking outrage among fellow officers and activists alike.

## **Why Are Agencies Boycotting the Event?**

The Baker to Vegas Relay, a storied 120-mile law enforcement race, has long been a symbol of camaraderie among agencies. However, this year’s event has turned into a battleground over police accountability.

- **Controversial Deputy’s Inclusion:** Kirk, accused in multiple excessive force cases, was listed on LASD’s team roster. Critics argue his participation undermines efforts to reform policing.
- **Public Backlash:** Advocacy groups have pressured departments to disassociate from LASD, citing Kirk’s record as emblematic of systemic issues.
- **Moral Standpoints:** Several agencies have stated that supporting the event while Kirk is involved contradicts their commitment to ethical policing.

## **Which Departments Have Pulled Out?**

At least six agencies—including San Francisco PD, Oakland PD, and Seattle PD—have confirmed their withdrawal. Others are reportedly reconsidering their participation amid mounting pressure.

## **LASD’s Response: Defiance or Indifference?**

Sheriff Alex Villanueva has doubled down, defending Kirk’s right to compete and dismissing the boycott as *"political grandstanding."* His stance has only deepened divisions, with critics accusing him of prioritizing loyalty over accountability.

## **What’s Next for the Baker to Vegas Relay?**

With participation dwindling and public scrutiny intensifying, the future of the event hangs in the balance. Organizers now face a critical choice: uphold tradition or adapt to shifting expectations around police conduct.

### **What Do You Think?**

- **Should law enforcement agencies boycott events over controversial participants? Or does this set a dangerous precedent?**
- **Is Sheriff Villanueva protecting bad cops, or is he right that officers deserve due process?**
- **Would pulling out of Baker to Vegas actually change policing culture, or is it just symbolic?**
- **Should the public have a say in who represents law enforcement at these events?**

*Breaking Now News will continue to follow this developing story.*