Judge David W. Stuart ordered attorneys to return to the courtroom May 13, when he is set to announce whether David Allan Lacey, 67, can enroll in the program that would include 100 hours of community service, anger management and firearms safety courses and a ban on possession of firearms during the 12- to 18-month diversionary term.
One of the group’s members, Melina Abdullah, who is listed as one of the victims in the complaint, told the judge, “So, what I experienced at the hands of David Lacey was one of the most traumatic experiences of my life … He’s getting special treatment because he’s the husband of the former district attorney.”
Attorney Carl Douglas, who is representing Abdullah and the other two victims listed in the complaint, said protesters had been outside the Laceys’ house for 40 minutes before the run-in. “This is not a circumstance of a distraught husband protecting his family,” Douglas told the judge.
Lacey’s attorney said he needed time to discuss the proposed diversionary program with his client and noted that the gun is in the Los Angeles Police Department’s custody. Lacey — who was not in the courtroom Tuesday — was charged last August with three misdemeanor counts of assault with a firearm by the California Attorney General’s Office involving the March 2, 2020, early morning run-in with demonstrators.
The protest occurred before sunrise. David Lacey was seen on video [see below] pointing a handgun out the front door of the couple’s home and ordering the protesters to leave the property. No arrests or injuries were reported. Protesters can be heard asking to see his wife, prompting him to again order the group off the property. Members of Black Lives Matter who took part in the protest immediately condemned David Lacey’s actions. Activist Jasmyne Cannick posted the video online and sent links to local media outlets.
Black Lives Matter repeatedly protested against Jackie Lacey, criticizing her for what they saw as a failure to hold law enforcement officers accountable for shootings of minority suspects, and accusing her of failing to meet with them to discuss the issue. Abdullah — who has said the protesters were off the Laceys’ porch in less than 60 seconds — insisted Lacey’s house was not off-limits given that the district attorney is a public official and BLM has never threatened her. On Twitter, Abdullah alleged David Lacey “pointed a gun at my chest and said ‘I will shoot you.”‘ She noted last year that the counts filed against him are “misdemeanors, but charges nonetheless.”
Jackie Lacey lost her bid for a third term as the county’s top prosecutor to former San Francisco District Attorney George Gascón. In a statement released by her re-election campaign last year, she said, “The events that took place earlier this year have caused my family immense pain. My husband acted in fear for my safety after we were subjected to months of harassment that included a death threat no less than a week earlier. Protesters arrived at my house shortly after 5 a.m. while I was upstairs. My husband felt that we were in danger and acted out of genuine concern for our well being.”
Shortly after the charges were filed, David Lacey’s attorney, Samuel E. Tyre, said he and his client “are disappointed that the Attorney General’s Office felt that the conduct at issue amounted to criminal behavior.
“We disagree entirely with their assessment, but we have the utmost faith in the justice system, and we are confident that the correct result will be reached,” Tyre said in the statement last August. “At this time, we are not going to comment on the facts of the case except to say that my client’s human instinct is forever and always to protect his wife and his family and to keep them safe from physical harm. We look forward to all relevant facts coming to light.”
Previous related stories:
Former D.A.’s husband to seek diversion program for assault counts
Judge denies motion to dismiss BLM lawsuit against former L.A. County D.A.
Jackie Lacey and husband sued by BLM members over gun incident
Judge denies defense motion in misdemeanor case against D.A.’s husband
D.A.’s husband charged with misdemeanor assault involving protesters
California Attorney General’s Office investigating L.A. County D.A.’s husband
Protesters gather outside D.A. Jackie Lacey’s house; husband points gun
#BREAKING This morning Los Angeles District Attorney Jackie Lacey’s husband pulled a gun out on Black Lives Matter activists who protested his wife in front of their house. @BLMLA pic.twitter.com/wnCFMMvaWV
— Jasmyne Cannick (@Jasmyne) March 2, 2020
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Claire says
Patrice Cullors describes herself as a “trained Marxist.” She was mentored by Eric Mann of “Weather Underground.”
Alfred says
Marxism is not a political theory. Marxism classifies an extreme left economic theory. Communism is an economic system, not a political system.
Unless YOU hold a Ph.D in economics, you are unqualified to classify an individual, a trained Marxist. Any individual not having inked a Ph.D in economics is unqualified to be a “trained Marxist.”
ALL trained Marxists are economists. ALL economists are trained Marxists.
Bernard says
Since the democrats overthrew the government, self-defense in America is now illegal. For law enforcement, ANTIFA and BLM are officially untouchable.
Let it go says
Let it go, Bernard. All the external stimuli around you is affecting your mindfulness. Deep breath’s and letting in a small amount of life around you will help with understanding the bigger picture.
Alby says
Aint no one gonna let go of the fact that blm is poisoning America. Crackheads want you to let it go. Rapists want you to take it willingly. And you’re just gonna let it go. There are other countries for you to fit in perfectly.
Judith says
The government in Washington DC no longer represents the United States of America.
Nevin says
Bad prosecutors. Bad judges. Bad journalists. Really bad government. The government in Sacramento no longer represents California’s electorate, much less does the County of Los Angeles.
Mark Mutz says
So in the dark of night, with limited visibility, several individuals trespassed onto private property (a private home), went onto the front porch, up-to the front door and harassed the occupants. The trespassers did this after purposely seeking out one of the occupants that just happened to be the DA… And the husband of the DA is wrong for producing a firearm, at his home? I believe the trespassers actions caused fear and apprehension on the part of the DA and her husband…. As such, his actions were not out of line, but rather should be applauded!
Cecil says
The most anti-american CDPs here in America:
1). Seattle
2). Portland
3). Twin-cities
4). Atlanta
5). Brooklyn
6). Detroit
7). Milwaukee
8). Chicago
9). Bay Area
10). Los Angeles metro