4. Rioting breaks out in Los Angeles following the acquittal of four white police officers accused of beating black motorist Rodney King
The 1992 Los Angeles riots were a series of riots and civil disturbances that occurred in Los Angeles County after a trial jury acquitted four officers of the LAPD of using excessive force in the arrest and beating of Rodney King. The beating was videotaped and widely viewed in TV broadcasts, adding to the distrust. The rioting spread throughout L.A., as thousands of people rioted over six days almost immediately after the jury announced the verdict.
An estimated $1 billion in damage was reporting due to the widespread looting, assault, arson, and murder that occurred. Governor of California Pete Wilson declared an emergency, sending in the California Army National Guard, while then-President George H. W. Bush deployed the 7th Infantry Division and the 1st Marine Division.
At least 63 people were killed, 2,383 injured, and more than 12,000 citizens were arrested by police. Much of the blame was directed to LAPD Chief of Police Daryl Gates, who had already announced his resignation by the time the riots began.
