In a clip that’s sparking outrage and memes across social media, Nevada’s governor Joe Lombardo was caught on bodycam footage casually brushing off a traffic stop he himself was involved in—literally. The footage, released this week after two months of secrecy, shows Lombardo, the Republican running for re-election this November, parking his white Ford pickup near Mandalay Bay on May 15 and being pulled over for running a red light.
The bodycam captures Sergeant Pacheco approaching the vehicle with a standard script: “Hello, how are you doing, sir? The reason I’m stopping you is for the—” But then, Lombardo interrupts, raising a finger and confidently announcing, “I’m Joe Lombardo.” The sergeant, unfazed, continues: “A red-light violation, the right turn onto Giles.”
The governor then responds with a dismissive, “Come on, man,” effectively mounting his own legal defense. Remarkably, within seconds, the officer responds with a shrug, “You’re good to go, sir. Appreciate ya. Have a good day,” and Lombardo drives off—no ticket issued.
What makes this incident particularly noteworthy is the background and broader implications. As the former sheriff of Clark County—an eight-year tenure during which he led the same police department that stopped him—Lombardo is no stranger to law enforcement procedures. Unsurprisingly, his bodycam footage reveals that the sergeant was aware of Lombardo’s identity even before the stop began. The sheriff-turned-governor seemingly waved off his own authority with ease.
The irony doesn’t end there. According to the Nevada Current, Lombardo has publicly supported red-light cameras meant to catch drivers committing violations like the one he was caught for. Those cameras help catch everyday drivers running red lights, a measure designed to improve safety and enforce traffic laws fairly. Yet, in his own case, Lombardo appears to suggest he’s above the rules, dismissing the violation and driving away unpenalized.
When the footage finally surfaced publicly in late July, the governor’s office issued a statement claiming Lombardo “fully complied with all instructions” and was “promptly on his way.” However, critics, including Nevada Democrats and observers, are questioning the double standard. The Nevada Current editorialized that the incident exemplifies “rules for thee, not for me,” especially with Lombardo on the ballot this November.
The police union also chimed in, framing the stop as “a nothing car stop,” arguing that if Lombardo weren’t the governor, he’d face repercussions just like any other citizen. But the footage—and social media reaction—highlight the stark disparity in how laws are enforced depending on who you are and who’s watching.
As this viral clip continues to circulate, it underscores broader concerns about accountability and privilege among public officials. For many Nevadans and Americans alike, the question remains: if the chief executive of your state can flout traffic laws without consequence, what message does that send about fairness and justice in everyday life?
