If your not familar with them, the basis is that 4 police officers were acquitted of all charges against the beating of a man named rodney king therefore leading to widespread rioting in south central los angeles
Why such a big deal? well the beating was captured on video so it is obvious the police officers went way too far with the beating. Also at the time in 1992, racial tensions were high and the lapd was(still is) corrupt with a clear bias against blacks
The riots were a protest that it is not okay for police officers to beat up a man then get off scott free. The riots started moments after the trial ended
Officers were arresting a gang member that drew the attention of residents and quickly the lapd was clearly outnumbered and ordered to leave the area by the L.T. of the lapd
Things escalated from there with no police presence and continued for days until the national guard rolled in. It is still relevant as Baltimore had similar riots last year and police brutality still is a hot button issue
Link to the wiki for more details
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