L.A. City Council candidate stays in race after report that he stabbed a boy at age 12
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Jordan Rivers, who is running to represent a harbor-area district on the Los Angeles City Council, said he will continue his campaign after a report surfaced that he stabbed a neighbor when he was 12.Rivers, 22, is the sole challenger to incumbent Tim McOsker in the June 2 primary election.In a lawsuit, Nicholas Parszik and his parents alleged that Rivers stabbed Nicholas, then 8, while the two boys were playing video games in the garage of Nicholas’ San Pedro home on July 30, 2016.Rivers “stabbed Nicholas repeatedly around the neck and shoulder areas,” inflicting “severe and life threatening physical and emotional injuries,” the lawsuit said.On Monday, Rivers said it was an “accident” that happened a decade ago.
“I do not believe that past situations or indeed past mistakes define or determine who a person is or what they are,” he said in a statement.Rivers, who is Black, said that an initial media report about the lawsuit had “a racial undertone” and seemed meant to damage his reputation ahead of the election.The California Post first reported the lawsuit on Monday, which was also the last day for candidates to withdraw paperwork to run for office.McOsker is seeking a second term representing District 15, which includes Harbor City, Harbor Gateway, San Pedro, Watts and Wilmington.
“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,” McOsker said in a statement.Asked whether Rivers should withdraw, McOsker campaign consultant Dave Jacobson said, “Only Mr.
Rivers could decide whether to run, and only he can decide whether he should stay in the race.” Rivers, who listed his occupation as “community organizer” on campaign filings,...