California Governor Gavin Newsom has put lives at risk through his blatant disregard for federal law, a reckless move that directly led to a horrifying crash that claimed three innocent lives. This is no longer a matter of partisan politics; it’s a matter of accountability and justice.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has rightly pointed the finger at Newsom for the tragic incident involving Jashanpreet Singh, an illegal immigrant trucker who was involved in a drug-fueled wreck. Within weeks of a federal rule prohibiting illegal immigrants from obtaining commercial driving licenses, California officials unlawfully upgraded Singh’s driver’s privileges. Duffy’s condemnation of Newsom’s actions is unequivocal: “If Gavin Newsom had followed our new rules, this tragedy would never have happened.”

The facts are stark. On September 26, new federal regulations mandated that states verify an applicant’s legal status before issuing commercial licenses. Yet, just weeks later on October 15—Singh’s birthday—California’s Department of Motor Vehicles lifted his driving restrictions without adhering to these crucial regulations.

This egregious misstep has severe consequences. Duffy stated, “California broke the law, and now three people are dead and two are hospitalized.” Families have been devastated due to Newsom’s failure to act responsibly, and they deserve justice. The time has come for accountability.

Moreover, Singh was initially issued a restricted CDL that only allowed for intrastate travel. Despite clear warnings about California’s severe compliance failures, state officials neglected their duty, risking public safety.

The Department of Transportation explicitly warned California that Singh should never have been behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle. Simply put, this emergency rule was put in place to prevent situations like this from occurring, yet Newsom chose to ignore it.

As if the tragedy weren’t enough, Singh was reportedly under the influence of drugs when he plowed his semi-truck into slow-moving traffic on the 10 Freeway in San Bernardino County. Footage of the crash is nothing short of chilling, illustrating the chaos and destruction that ensued.

Singh’s journey to America is equally alarming. He reportedly entered the U.S. through the southern border in 2022, only to be released into the country under the Biden administration’s policies. Following the crash, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued an arrest detainer for Singh, who is now facing charges for vehicular manslaughter and DUI.

This incident should serve as a wake-up call. Newsom’s negligence has not only led to tragic loss but has exposed the critical flaws in California’s overall governance. The Republican Party stands firm in calling for accountability. The families affected by this tragedy demand answers, and we will ensure that justice is served.