Resignation at Los Angeles Police Department Amid Leak Allegations
The chief spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department has stepped down following accusations from the area’s leading federal prosecutor regarding information leaks, according to sources who are familiar with the situation but weren’t authorized to speak publicly.
Jennifer Forkush, the Public Affairs Director, stated she resigned at the request of Chief Jim McDonnell but firmly denied any unauthorized disclosures. “Any suggestion that I have ever shared or leaked information to the media is completely false,” she remarked, emphasizing that nobody within the department, including the chief, had raised such a concern with her before. “Anyone who claims otherwise is lying,” she added.
According to three law enforcement officials, Chief McDonnell had growing concerns about Forkush’s overall performance, and pressure from acting U.S. Attorney Bill Esseri may have led to her dismissal. The situation escalated after a Times reporter reached out to the U.S. Attorney’s Office to ask about scheduling a press conference regarding the Palisades fire.
During a Wednesday news conference, where McDonnell and other law enforcement officials were present, Esseri announced that a 29-year-old Uber driver had been arrested for allegedly igniting one of California’s most destructive fires. Before this event, Esseri inquired with LAPD officials about who had leaked information concerning the press conference, which had yet to be officially arranged when the Times made their inquiry.
It remains unclear why Forkush was suspected of leaking details, particularly since federal authorities only informed the press about the announcement via email at 5 a.m. on Wednesday. Forkush noted that she had already completed her work that afternoon when McDonnell called her back for a meeting with Deputy Chief Dominic Choi, during which he did not mention the earlier phone call with Esseri. Instead, McDonnell indicated that they didn’t align on a long-term communication strategy for the department, according to Forkush.
She asserted that the conversation did not involve any discussion on potential leaks. Choi, while not able to share details on Forkush’s situation due to personnel confidentiality, confirmed that she resigned on Thursday morning. “We don’t wish any ill will against her,” he stated briefly, thanking her for her service.
McDonnell hasn’t responded to inquiries, and efforts to reach the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Mayor Karen Bass have gone unanswered. Forkush expressed gratitude for her time with the LAPD, saying, “After much consideration, I have decided to leave my position to pursue new opportunities.” She conveyed pride in her team’s achievements, highlighting their commitment to honesty and balance during challenging times.
There have been ongoing rumors within the Los Angeles U.S. Attorney’s office that Esseri, appointed by Trump, is focused on eliminating leaks to the media. The LAPD often investigates employees who speak to journalists without authorization, leading to lawsuits from those who claim they were unjustly accused of leaking information.
Forkush began her career with former Los Angeles City Councilman Dennis Zine, after which she worked with several PR firms and served as vice president of corporate communications for Caesars Entertainment Corporation. She briefly worked for former Los Angeles Township Attorney Georges Gascon in 2024.
Eric Rose, who supervised Forkush, described her as an accomplished professional with extensive experience working with various elected officials. However, her appointment at the LAPD was not without issues. Multiple sources revealed that disputes over salary demands created initial tensions, and subsequent disagreements regarding strategy with her predecessor led to a unit transfer.
Press advocates have noted that McDonnell’s era has been marked by tensions with local media. The department faced criticism for its handling of reporters during protests against the Trump administration, resulting in a lawsuit to prevent police from targeting journalists with less-lethal projectiles.
Adam Rose from the Press Freedom Foundation remarked on the LAPD’s lack of responsiveness to reports of police misconduct, stating, “The fact that McDonnell and his staff are so resistant and reluctant to do their job is disgraceful.”
Forkush reiterated her commitment to transparency and accountability during her tenure, saying, “I have always approached this work with transparency, respect and accountability, and that will never change.”
