The debate over a police raid of a San Francisco freelance journalist's home in the wake of a leaked police report has taken some new political twists.
San Francisco Mayor London Breed has shifted her stance about the police department's search of Bryan Carmody's files, computer and other property to find out how he obtained a report detailing the death of the city's public defender, Jeff Adachi. District Attorney George Gascon weighed in Monday with comments that put him at odds with the police, a department he formerly led.
The sealed police report that Carmody obtained and sold to three Bay Area television stations revealed that Adachi used cocaine, marijuana and alcohol while with a woman who was not his wife on the day he died.
During the search of Carmody's home, police drew their guns, used a sledgehammer on his door and confiscated files and electronic devices. Breed has backpedaled on her initial support of the search.
"Our role is to follow the law, and the judges ultimately make the decisions," said Breed. "They made the decision. And so at this point, you know, I support their decision."
Gascon, meanwhile, has criticized the police for not consulting his office before applying to get the warrants.
Carmody has refused to identify his source. California's Shield Law protects journalists from being compelled to divulge such information.