As wildfires rage across Los Angeles County, right-wing media personalities have seized on the disaster to push baseless claims linking the fires to the city’s fire chief, Kristin Crowley, who is the first woman and openly LGBTQ individual to hold the position. Critics have accused her of prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives over firefighting effectiveness, with some going as far as to claim that DEI policies are “literally getting people killed.”
Wildfires Devastate Los Angeles County
The wildfires, which have killed at least five people and forced tens of thousands to evacuate, remain largely uncontained. According to the Los Angeles Times, over 1,000 homes, businesses, and other structures have been destroyed, making this one of the most destructive firestorms in the region’s history. Fire Chief Crowley has emphasized that the fires are being fueled by strong winds and challenging terrain, stretching emergency services to their limits.
Right-Wing Media Exploits Tragedy to Attack DEI
This is not the first time right-wing media has used disasters to attack DEI initiatives. Earlier in 2024, commentators blamed Boeing’s equipment malfunctions and the Baltimore bridge collapse on DEI policies, with some declaring, “DEI equals die.” Fox News’ Jeanine Pirro also labeled the New Orleans police chief a “DEI hire” following a terror attack in the city.
Unfounded Criticisms of Fire Chief Crowley
Right-wing figures have targeted Crowley, suggesting her identity and support for DEI are to blame for the wildfires’ severity. Social media influencer Rogan O’Handley, known as “DC_Draino,” posted, “DEI is quite literally getting people killed,” while Gateway Pundit contributor Drew Hernandez wrote, “DEI = DIE.” Chaya Raichik, who runs the anti-LGBTQ account Libs of TikTok, questioned whether Crowley’s focus on DEI made residents feel safer.
Fox News host Jesse Watters criticized Crowley during his prime-time show, shaking his head at an image of LAFD’s leadership and claiming, “California is committing suicide before our very eyes. DEI is deadly.” He also falsely asserted that California has a program to “scrub white males from the fire department.”
Newsmax host Rob Finnerty echoed these sentiments, declaring, “This is death by DEI,” and suggesting Crowley was hired solely due to her identity. He also criticized her participation in LA Pride parades, saying, “Have all the pride you want, but you better make sure you’re ready to do your job when it counts.”
Broader Attacks on DEI Policies
Far-right figures like Alex Jones and Dave Rubin joined the chorus, with Jones claiming “DEI equals societal collapse” and Rubin calling DEI “repackaged racism.” Fox News contributor Leo Terrell baselessly claimed the LAFD had “no intention of putting out these fires,” while Mike Cernovich lamented that the fire chief is a “DEI advocate.”
Donald Trump Jr. questioned on Truth Social whether DEI should be renamed “DIE,” and right-wing activist Robby Starbuck argued that DEI diverts resources from life-saving efforts. BlazeTV host Allie Beth Stuckey claimed, “DEI is a tool of destruction everywhere it’s wielded. It literally leads to death.”
Misinformation Spreads Further
Charlie Kirk of Turning Point USA called the wildfires a “major public policy disaster” and blamed “woke fire departments” for the crisis. Meanwhile, an Infowars article titled “Lesbian Los Angeles Fire Chief Roasted For Prioritizing DEI As Palisades Inferno Destroys City” claimed that DEI policies are harming the fire department and California residents.
Conclusion
As Los Angeles battles one of its worst wildfire seasons, right-wing media figures have used the tragedy to advance their anti-DEI agenda, spreading misinformation and targeting Fire Chief Crowley for her identity and policies. These baseless claims distract from the real challenges faced by emergency responders and the communities affected by the disaster.
