L.A. City Council Candidate Stays in Race After Stabbing Report

Jordan Rivers, 22, is the sole challenger to incumbent Tim McOsker in the June 2 primary election.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 12:43am

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Jordan Rivers, a candidate for the Los Angeles City Council, said he will continue his campaign after a report surfaced that he stabbed a neighbor when he was 12 years old. The victim's family filed a lawsuit alleging that Rivers repeatedly stabbed the 8-year-old boy around the neck and shoulder areas, inflicting severe injuries. Rivers claims it was an accident that happened a decade ago.

Why it matters

The revelation of Rivers' past incident raises questions about his character and fitness for public office, especially as he challenges an incumbent in a local election. It also highlights the complexities of juvenile criminal records and how past actions can resurface to impact a political campaign.

The details

In 2016, when Rivers was 12, he allegedly stabbed his 8-year-old neighbor Nicholas Parszik while the two were playing video games in the Parszik family's garage. The Parszik family filed a lawsuit alleging that Rivers "stabbed Nicholas repeatedly around the neck and shoulder areas," causing "severe and life threatening physical and emotional injuries." Rivers claims it was an accident and that he was simply holding a cooking knife while "play fighting" with Nicholas.

  • The alleged incident occurred on July 30, 2016.
  • The Parszik family filed the lawsuit in 2016.
  • The case was settled in 2018 for $10,000, though the Parszik family claims the settlement was never paid.
  • Rivers is running in the June 2, 2026 primary election for the Los Angeles City Council.

The players

Jordan Rivers

A 22-year-old candidate running for the Los Angeles City Council, challenging incumbent Tim McOsker. Rivers claims the 2016 stabbing incident was an accident.

Tim McOsker

The incumbent Los Angeles City Council member for District 15, which includes Harbor City, Harbor Gateway, San Pedro, Watts and Wilmington.

Nicholas Parszik

An 8-year-old boy who was allegedly stabbed repeatedly by Jordan Rivers in 2016, suffering severe injuries.

Paul Parszik

The father of Nicholas Parszik, who witnessed his son's injuries and plans to attend Rivers' campaign rallies to confront him.

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What they’re saying

“I do not believe that past situations or indeed past mistakes define or determine who a person is or what they are.”

— Jordan Rivers, Candidate for Los Angeles City Council

“I am saddened and troubled that this happened here in our community, and my heart breaks for the victim and his family. I hope they have gotten the care needed. My office will be here to provide advocacy and support for anybody who has been traumatized by this incident.”

— Tim McOsker, Incumbent Los Angeles City Council Member

“I can't wait to go home and go to his first rally and say, 'Hey, you stabbed my kid and you have no remorse.'”

— Paul Parszik, Father of Stabbing Victim

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Rivers to remain on the ballot for the June 2 primary election.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complexities of juvenile criminal records and how past actions can resurface to impact a political campaign, raising questions about a candidate's character and fitness for office.