After Sheriff Joe Lombardo misled Nevadans and declared that crime rates were steadily decreasing in Las Vegas, his own police department put out new data revealing a 70% year-to-date increase in murders–up from 60% last month. While Lombardo is more focused on winning a competitive primary than doing his job, Valley residents are left grappling with rising homicides in their neighborhoods.

Despite this increase, Lombardo still hasn’t given a clear stance on defunding the police and has already been called out multiple times for trying to have it both ways on the issue. Just weeks ago, Lombardo said he had “no problem” with defunding the police. But in a video announcing his candidacy for Governor, he vowed to “stop all efforts” to defund the police.

“Joe Lombardo is too busy trying to win a competitive primary to do his job and Las Vegans are paying the price,” said Nevada Democratic Victory spokesperson Mallory Payne. “As homicides rise, Lombardo won’t even give a straight answer on defunding the police to avoid alienating his conservative base. He’s clearly not up for his current job, leaving no question he isn’t fit to lead the state as Governor.”

###