U.S. Senator Adam Schiff was the victim of a car break-in while visiting San Francisco, an incident that has drawn attention to rising concerns about urban crime in California. Schiff’s parked vehicle was broken into, and his luggage — including a suit he had intended to wear to a political fundraiser — was stolen. This took place last year, but people remain concerned about crime problems in San Francisco.
The break-in occurred while Schiff was attending events in downtown San Francisco. With his formal attire stolen, the senator was forced to attend the fundraiser in more casual clothing. The theft became a talking point during his appearance on HBO’s *Real Time with Bill Maher*, where Schiff recounted the experience and its broader implications.
“I walked into a Target store after it happened, and the cashier, upon hearing who I was and what had happened, bluntly told me, ‘Democrats are a**holes,’” Schiff said during the interview. He noted the encounter as a sobering reminder of growing public frustration, even among Democratic constituencies, regarding crime and safety issues.
Schiff acknowledged that the incident reflects a larger problem in California, particularly in major cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles. “We need to be responsive to how people are feeling about crime, and not be dismissive,” he said, calling for the Democratic Party to reevaluate its messaging and policies around public safety, as reported.
The break-in is part of a broader trend of property crime in San Francisco, where incidents of car burglaries and theft have plagued residents and visitors alike. Law enforcement data has shown periodic spikes in such crimes, prompting increased calls for reform and enforcement.
Political analysts suggest the incident may have political implications as Schiff campaigns for higher office in California. Some view it as a potential turning point for how Democrats address crime heading into future elections. The San Francisco Police Department has not yet announced any arrests related to the theft, and the case remains under investigation.
Watch Adam Schiff talk to Bill Maher about the criminal incident where his luggage was stolen:
