Los Angeles Riots Fast Facts

CNN Editorial Research

Updated 1340 GMT (2140 HKT) April 13, 2021

Firefighters spray water on a burning building in south Los Angeles on April 30, 1992, a day after rioting broke out over the acquittal of four white police officers charged with assault and the use of excessive force on Rodney King.
Photos: Rodney King and the 1992 Los Angeles riots
Firefighters spray water on a burning building in south Los Angeles on April 30, 1992, a day after rioting broke out over the acquittal of four white police officers charged with assault and the use of excessive force on Rodney King.
Hide Caption
1 of 14
A frame from the video made by George Holliday from his balcony shows Los Angeles police officers beating King after he was stopped for a traffic violation on March 3, 1991. The video shows King being struck by police batons more than 50 times. More than 20 officers were present at the scene, most from the LAPD. King suffered 11 fractures and other injuries in the beating.
Photos: Rodney King and the 1992 Los Angeles riots
A frame from the video made by George Holliday from his balcony shows Los Angeles police officers beating King after he was stopped for a traffic violation on March 3, 1991. The video shows King being struck by police batons more than 50 times. More than 20 officers were present at the scene, most from the LAPD. King suffered 11 fractures and other injuries in the beating.
Hide Caption
2 of 14
Officers Theodore J. Briseno, second from left, is escorted out of the courthouse on April 29, 1992 after being acquitted of all charges. Laurence M. Powell, right, was acquitted of all but one charge. Hours after the officers' acquittal, rioting and looting broke out in South Central Los Angeles.
Photos: Rodney King and the 1992 Los Angeles riots
Officers Theodore J. Briseno, second from left, is escorted out of the courthouse on April 29, 1992 after being acquitted of all charges. Laurence M. Powell, right, was acquitted of all but one charge. Hours after the officers' acquittal, rioting and looting broke out in South Central Los Angeles.
Hide Caption
3 of 14
A news helicopter captures video of the beating of Reginald Denny, a white truck driver, after he was pulled from his vehicle. Gov. Pete Wilson declares a state of emergency and calls in National Guard troops.
Photos: Rodney King and the 1992 Los Angeles riots
A news helicopter captures video of the beating of Reginald Denny, a white truck driver, after he was pulled from his vehicle. Gov. Pete Wilson declares a state of emergency and calls in National Guard troops.
Hide Caption
4 of 14
A rioter breaks a glass door of the Criminal Courts building in downtown Los Angeles on April 29.
Photos: Rodney King and the 1992 Los Angeles riots
A rioter breaks a glass door of the Criminal Courts building in downtown Los Angeles on April 29.
Hide Caption
5 of 14
A California Highway Patrol officer directs traffic around a shopping center engulfed in flames on April 30.
Photos: Rodney King and the 1992 Los Angeles riots
A California Highway Patrol officer directs traffic around a shopping center engulfed in flames on April 30.
Hide Caption
6 of 14
Rodney King pleads for rioters to end the violence during a news conference in front of his lawyer's office on May 1 saying, "People, I just want to say, can we all get along? Can we get along? Can we stop making it horrible for the older people and the kids?"
Photos: Rodney King and the 1992 Los Angeles riots
Rodney King pleads for rioters to end the violence during a news conference in front of his lawyer's office on May 1 saying, "People, I just want to say, can we all get along? Can we get along? Can we stop making it horrible for the older people and the kids?"
Hide Caption
7 of 14
More than 9,800 National Guard troops were called in to end the violence, which left 55 people dead and more than 2,000 injured.
Photos: Rodney King and the 1992 Los Angeles riots
More than 9,800 National Guard troops were called in to end the violence, which left 55 people dead and more than 2,000 injured.
Hide Caption
8 of 14
Looters target a shopping center in Los Angeles on April 30.
Photos: Rodney King and the 1992 Los Angeles riots
Looters target a shopping center in Los Angeles on April 30.
Hide Caption
9 of 14
A woman runs out of a store that has been heavily looted as the overhead sprinkler system is triggered on May 1. More than 700 retail stores were damaged during the riots.
Photos: Rodney King and the 1992 Los Angeles riots
A woman runs out of a store that has been heavily looted as the overhead sprinkler system is triggered on May 1. More than 700 retail stores were damaged during the riots.
Hide Caption
10 of 14
People line the sidewalk across from a burned out apartment building that was destroyed in the violence. More than 1,100 buildings were destroyed or damaged during the riots.
Photos: Rodney King and the 1992 Los Angeles riots
People line the sidewalk across from a burned out apartment building that was destroyed in the violence. More than 1,100 buildings were destroyed or damaged during the riots.
Hide Caption
11 of 14
Patrick Simpson of Los Angeles points to the federal building in anger after two of the four officers were sentenced to 30 months in prison for violating King's civil rights.
Photos: Rodney King and the 1992 Los Angeles riots
Patrick Simpson of Los Angeles points to the federal building in anger after two of the four officers were sentenced to 30 months in prison for violating King's civil rights.
Hide Caption
12 of 14
In his book, "The Riot Within: My Journey From Rebellion to Redemption," King writes about his experience during the riots and in the media spotlight.
Photos: Rodney King and the 1992 Los Angeles riots
In his book, "The Riot Within: My Journey From Rebellion to Redemption," King writes about his experience during the riots and in the media spotlight.
Hide Caption
13 of 14
King gestures to supporters at an event in Los Angeles in April 2012. He was found dead on June 17 that same year, at the age of 47. His death was the result of accidental drowning, although alcohol, cocaine, marijuana and PCP found in his system were contributing factors, authorities said.
Photos: Rodney King and the 1992 Los Angeles riots
King gestures to supporters at an event in Los Angeles in April 2012. He was found dead on June 17 that same year, at the