1992 Los Angeles riots

The 1992 Los Angeles riots, also known as the LA riots, the Rodney King uprising or the Rodney King riots, was sparked on April 29, 1992 when a mostly white jury acquitted four police officers accused in the videotaped beating of black motorist Rodney King. Thousands of people in Los Angeles, mainly young black and Latino males, joined in what has often been characterized as a race riot, involving mass law-breaking, including looting and arson.

Aftermath

After the riots, pressure mounted for a retrial of the officers. The acquittals survived appeals in the state courts, but federal charges of civil rights violations were brought against the officers. Near the first anniversary of the acquittal, the city tensely awaited the decision of the federal jury; seven days of deliberations raised speculative fear of an incendiary outcome in the event of a not guilty verdict.

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Precautionary measures were taken by the government and media. The decision was read in an atypical 7:00 a.m. Saturday court session on April 17, 1993. Two officers were found guilty and another two acquitted. Mindful of accusations of sensationalist reporting following the first jury decision, media outlets opted for more sober coverage which included calmer on-the-street interviews{{ref|media}}. Police were fully mobilized with officers on 12-hour shifts, convoy patrols, scout helicopters, street barricades, tactical command centers, and support from the National Guard and Marines{{ref|policetimes}}{{ref|policeguardian}}. To the relief of everyone, no violence broke out.

Related Topics:
April 17 - 1993 - National Guard - Marines

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Peter Ueberroth, notable organizer of the 1984 Olympics in L.A., attempted to spur development of damaged areas as head of Rebuild L.A., which fell short of its monetary goals by more than half and failed to attract substantive corporate investment in poor areas. The effort lasted until 1997 before folding.

Related Topics:
Peter Ueberroth - 1984 Olympics

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