Who is Wendy Carrillo? Internet outraged as California Assemblywoman is arrested for DUI after midnight LA crash
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: A California Assemblymember, Wendy Carrillo, 43, who is currently vying for a seat on the LA City Council, found herself at the center of a late-night DUI arrest following a car crash, as per Daily Mail.
She was taken into custody in Los Angeles shortly after midnight on Friday, November 3, with her blood alcohol level reportedly exceeding double the legal limit. Soon after the shocking news surfaced online, netizens started to slam the politician and the apparent pattern of DUI cases in California Democrats.
There is a troubling pattern of California Democrat elected officials driving drunk & endangering the public on the road in addition to in their legislation. Latest: 'Double the legal limit': Assemblymember, L.A. council candidate arrested on suspected DUI https://t.co/5kWyrT9Abl
— Harmeet K. Dhillon (@pnjaban) November 3, 2023
Wendy Carrillo has been spotted alongside Governor Gavin Newsom on several occasions
Wendy Carrillo faced a grim spotlight as she swayed and staggered across a road during her arrest. The video footage captured her struggling to walk in a straight line as law enforcement officers had her undergo a field sobriety test, which she ultimately failed.
Carrillo, a Democrat, has been serving in the California legislature since 2017 and has been spotted alongside Governor Gavin Newsom on several occasions, including a trip to her native El Salvador in 2019.
Her ascent in the Democratic Party has been nothing short of meteoric. Having fled the El Salvadorian Civil War at the age of five, she made history by becoming the first former illegal immigrant to be elected to California's State Assembly.
Video footage obtained by Eyewitness News showed Carrillo gazing blankly at the sky as officers tried to guide her through the field sobriety test. One officer had to support her to prevent a fall, and she even leaned on a car bumper for assistance during the examination.
Moreover, she was allowed to complete the test in private due to her status as a "dignitary," marking a stark contrast to the standard procedure. Carrillo was eventually released around 4 am without bail and no injuries were reported in the crash's aftermath.
Wendy Carrillo releases statement apologizing for her actions
Following the incident, Wendy Carrillo released a statement apologizing for her actions and expressing her cooperation with law enforcement.
She acknowledged the need for higher standards as a public servant, vowing to seek the necessary help and support, saying, "I sincerely apologize to my family, constituents, colleagues, and staff for any actions of mine that have fallen short of that expectation."
"I intend to seek the necessary help and support. As I do so, I remain dedicated to my family, my constituents, and the community that I grew up in and am proud to represent," added Carrillo.
Internet lashes out at Wendy Carrillo and the Democrats over California Assemblymember's DUI arrest
Soon after the news of Wendy Carrillo's DUI arrest made it to the Internet, netizens started to comment with their opinions, slamming the reckless move of some politicians.
One was quick to point out perceived double standards, as they wrote, "The Democrats don’t believe the rules apply to them. We’re watching it in real-time."
Another user chimed in, "They all feel they are above the law!"
A disgruntled user said, "No consequences."
"The "elite"," stated one to point out the irony, with one expressing, "They think they are above the law. No one is shocked by this."
The Democrats they don’t believe the rules apply to them.
— AmericanBadAss🇺🇸 (@Amer_icanbadass) November 3, 2023
We’re watching it in real time.
They think they are above the law. No one is shocked by this.
— Shanna II (@Wells_Familly16) November 4, 2023