LA Mayor Karen Bass Heckled During Lunar New Year Parade

Spectators shouted criticism at Bass as she rode through Chinatown in a convertible

Feb. 22, 2026 at 5:38pm

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Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass was heckled and criticized by spectators as she rode through Chinatown in a convertible during Lunar New Year celebrations. A man filming the mayor pressed her about city budget cuts and crumbling roads, accusing her of 'defunding our city' and urging others to 'boo' the mayor as her motorcade rolled forward.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the ongoing political tensions in Los Angeles, with the mayor facing criticism from some residents over issues like infrastructure and city spending. As a high-profile public figure, Bass's treatment during the parade raises questions about the state of civic discourse and the ability of elected officials to engage with constituents.

The details

During the parade, Bass was perched atop a convertible, smiling and waving while wishing spectators a happy New Year. However, the tone quickly turned sour as a man filming the mayor pressed her about city budget cuts and crumbling roads, accusing her of 'defunding our city.' The man then urged others nearby to 'boo' the mayor as her motorcade rolled forward. In another clip, Bass's convertible is filmed moving down a mostly empty stretch of road flanked by aides and security, while critics yelled that she was ignoring questions from journalists.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday, February 21, 2026 during the 127th Annual Golden Dragon Parade in Los Angeles' Chinatown.

The players

Karen Bass

The current mayor of Los Angeles, who was elected in 2022 and is the first woman to hold the position.

Unidentified man

An individual who was filming the mayor and heckling her during the parade, accusing her of 'defunding our city' and urging others to 'boo' her.

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What they’re saying

“Make sure you vote against Karen Bass. We want Karen Bass gone. The year you leave office, Karen.”

— Unidentified man

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing political tensions in Los Angeles and the challenges that elected officials face in engaging with constituents, even during celebratory events. It raises questions about the state of civic discourse and the ability of leaders to address the concerns of all residents.