L.A. Riots of 1992

The Los Angeles riots of 1992, also known as the Rodney King uprising or the Rodney King riots, were sparked on April 29, 1992 when a jury acquitted four police officers (Laurence Powell, Timothy Wind, Theodore Briseno and Sergeant Stacey Koon) accused in the videotaped beating of black motorist Rodney King following a high-speed pursuit. Thousands of people in the L.A. area rioted over the six days following the verdict. Widespread looting, assault and the occasional murder occurred, many of the crimes were gang-motivated or perpetrated. In all, 53 people died during the riots. [source]

The Los Angeles District Attorney charged the four officers with use of excessive force towards King. But the judge was replaced and the new judge changed the verdict. The resulting public outrage raised tensions between the black community and the LAPD, and increased anger over police brutality and issues such as unemployment, racial tension, and poverty in the black community of South Central L.A. There was nearly $1 billion in damage and 53 deaths; 2,383 injuries; more than 7000 fire responses; and 3,100 businesses damaged. Smaller riots occurred in other US cities. 4.000 of National Guard and U.S. Army Marines where called to restore order. After the riots King was awarded $3.8 million in a civil case, and used some of the money to start a hip hop music label.