Recording of Karen Bass Call Raises Questions Ahead of Palisades Fire

A recorded phone call involving Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is drawing renewed attention as questions surface about what was discussed in the days leading up to the deadly Palisades Fire, as reported by The New York Post.

John Alle, a Los Angeles business owner, said he recorded a conversation with Bass on Jan. 4, 2025 — three days before the fire — after contacting her to raise concerns about strong winds and potential fire conditions in the region. According to Alle, he initiated the call because he feared for his safety amid the weather conditions.

In the recording, Bass is heard expressing concern for Alle’s safety. “I want to make sure that you are safe,” she said.

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“And, hopefully you can read in-between the lines.”

The meaning of Bass’s remark has not been clarified. Her office told Fox 11 that the call was related to “law enforcement operations at Macarthur Park,” though Alle said the discussion went beyond that topic.

“I warned her of the winds. It was more than MacArthur Park — it was about LA and fire,” Alle said.

Alle explained that he chose to record part of the conversation because he wanted a record of what was said. “I knew I couldn’t write that fast, so I recorded part of it for my own safety and for posterity,” he said.

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The call has resurfaced as the Los Angeles mayoral race approaches, with Republican Spencer Pratt and Democratic socialist Nithya Raman identified as the leading challengers for Bass’s position.

A representative for Bass’s campaign rejected suggestions that the call indicates wrongdoing. “The misinformation and conspiracies exploiting people’s loss in the Palisades is disgusting, and it’s a distraction from the recovery and rebuilding progress we’ve seen so far,” Alex Stack told Fox 11.

Alle said his concerns at the time centered on the risk of a fire and not any broader claims. “I was worried about a fire in LA. I had no idea my hometown would burn down,” he said.

The Palisades Fire, which followed days after the call, caused widespread destruction in the community. The fire resulted in multiple fatalities and caused billions of dollars in damage, according to reports.

Bass has also faced criticism over her absence from Los Angeles during the period leading up to the fire. She was overseas in Ghana as conditions developed that later led to the wildfire.

During the recorded call, Bass acknowledged her travel schedule, stating that she would miss “two work days” due to the trip and that when she was “able to talk,” she would go into “great detail.”

Alle pushed back on claims that the call has been mischaracterized, stating that his focus remained on the weather risks at the time. He also described the personal impact of the fire.

“I lost as much as anybody in terms of property and life,” Alle said.

Leaked phone call from January 4, 2025 (3 days before the devastating Palisades Fire)

The call is between Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and John Alle, a property manager and whistleblower in the Pacific Palisades, Westlake and MacArthur Park areasJohn Alle contacted Karen Bass… pic.twitter.com/kC7RFB5L71— Wall Street Apes (@WallStreetApes) April 28, 2026

Requests for additional comment from Bass’s office were reported.

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