Modern Era · North America · Politics

1992

Los Angeles riots

April 29, 1992

When four white police officers were acquitted of beating Black motorist Rodney King despite a videotape seen around the world, south-central Los Angeles erupted in six days of arson, looting, and street violence. Sixty-three died. The city burned on television. A Korean grocer on a roof with a rifle became an iconic image of the week.