Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is drawing criticism after saying some unhoused residents use methamphetamine to remain awake overnight out of fear they could be attacked while sleeping on the street.
Bass made the remarks at a Wednesday press conference, where she defended her administration’s handling of Los Angeles’ homelessness crisis and broader efforts to move people indoors.
“You sleep out in the street for a couple of weeks, and tell me that you’re not going to stay sane or use meth so that you don’t go to sleep,” Bass said.
Pressed by reporters to explain what she meant, the mayor clarified: “What I said is, is that I know that people have used meth to stay awake at night, so they don’t fall asleep because they’re worried about being assaulted.”
The statement quickly sparked reaction online, where critics accused Bass of minimizing drug use and sidestepping concerns about addiction, crime and public safety in the city.
“They think the homelessness caused them to have a drug problem. This is why it will never get fixed. The drugs and mental health are what caused the homelessness,” one user wrote.
Another commenter argued that Los Angeles’ homelessness policies are shaped more by funding structures than by lasting solutions, writing: “They don’t think that.
“They just know there are people gullible enough who do, and they know the gravy train ends if these scams are ever brought to light. Their entire operating system is built on deception.”
The comments also come as methamphetamine continues to drive Los Angeles County’s overdose crisis.
County health officials reported methamphetamine was involved in nearly 60% of overdose deaths in 2025, making it the most common drug detected in fatal overdoses.
More than 1,400 people died in methamphetamine-related overdoses the previous year.
The controversy also revives debate over the city’s harm-reduction policies.
Following a major federal drug raid in MacArthur Park in May, Bass said she supported ending syringe distribution at the park, where nearby business owners have argued the program attracts open-air drug use.
At last check by The California Post, however, the syringe distribution program was still operating in the area.
Homelessness remains the defining issue of Bass’ reelection campaign.
Los Angeles spends more than $1 billion annually on homelessness programs.
The California Post reached out to the mayor’s office for comment.
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