The 1992 Los Angeles Riots

Summary

History Daily Podcast Summary: The 1992 Los Angeles Riots

Hosted by Lindsey Graham | Released on April 29, 2025

---

Introduction

In this poignant episode of History Daily, host Lindsey Graham delves deep into the tumultuous events of the 1992 Los Angeles Riots, a pivotal moment in American history marked by intense racial tension, police brutality, and widespread civil unrest. Through detailed narratives and firsthand accounts, Graham unpacks the complexities that led to the eruption of violence and its lasting impact on the city of Los Angeles and the nation.

---

Context: The Rodney King Incident

The seeds of the 1992 Los Angeles Riots were sown with the June 1991 beating of Rodney King, a 25-year-old African American man. On March 3, 1991, King was brutally beaten by four LAPD officers after a high-speed pursuit, resulting in severe injuries, including 11 skull fractures and permanent brain damage.

Lindsey Graham [00:17]: "The police will claim in their official incident report that King sustained only cuts and bruises of a minor nature. But George's footage will reveal the truth."

George Holiday, King's neighbor, captured the assault on video, revealing the stark contrast between the LAPD's official statements and the harrowing reality of police brutality. This footage ignited national outrage and became a catalyst for discussions on systemic racism and police misconduct.

---

Escalation: Community Tensions and Tragic Losses

A year after King's beating, the release of videotaped evidence led to the indictment of the four officers involved. However, the jury's April 29, 1992 decision to acquit them on most charges, despite recognizing excessive force, acted as a spark for the ensuing riots.

Amidst these tensions, the episode highlights the tragic killing of 15-year-old Latasha Harlands on March 16, 1991, by a Korean store owner, Soon Ja Do, in South Los Angeles. This incident exacerbated the fragile relations between the Black and Korean communities.

Lindsey Graham [04:32]: "The lenient sentence will exacerbate many black residents' distrust of the criminal justice system, deepening a cynicism that will soon turn to outrage and violence."

The miscarriage of justice in Latasha's case deepened the community's mistrust, laying a volatile foundation for future confrontations.

---

The Trial of the LAPD Officers

Prosecutor Terry White faced formidable challenges in the trial of the LAPD officers. Despite having compelling video evidence, the predominantly white jury in Simi Valley delivered a verdict of not guilty for three officers, with one charge remaining unresolved.

Clerk [09:07]: "We the jury in the above entitled action, find the defendant, Lawrence M. Powell, not guilty of the crime of assault by force likely to produce great bodily injury and with a deadly weapon."

This decision, perceived as a blatant miscarriage of justice by many, especially within the Black community, ignited widespread protests and unrest across Los Angeles.

---

The Outbreak of the Riots: Day 1

On April 29, 1992, the verdict announcement led to immediate eruptions of anger. Over 300 people gathered at the courthouse within half an hour, and riots quickly spread, targeting LAPD headquarters and various neighborhoods.

Lindsey Graham [09:19]: "Immediately after the delivery of the verdict, the city of Los Angeles will erupt in anger and protest. Within 30 minutes, a crowd of over 300 people will appear at the Los Angeles courthouse to protest the verdicts."

The first day was marked by looting, arson, and violent clashes between rioters and law enforcement, setting the stage for prolonged chaos.

---

Escalation: Day 2 of the Riots

By April 30, 1992, the riots had intensified, especially in Koreatown. The episode narrates the harrowing experiences of Jung Hui Lee and her son Eddie, whose attempt to defend their neighborhood tragically led to Eddie's death.

Lindsey Graham [11:40]: "Jun Hui Lee will learn that her son Eddie, on his way to defend Koreatown, was mistaken for a looter and shot by another Korean protecting the very rooftop Eddie left home to defend."

The disproportionate targeting of Korean businesses fueled resentment, leading to a significant economic and social impact on the community.

---

Day 3 and the Climax of the Riots

On the third day, April 30, 1992, the situation deteriorated further. Reginald Denny, a white truck driver, was brutally assaulted by rioters, leaving him with 91 skull fractures. His near-fatal injuries underscored the indiscriminate nature of the violence.

In a pivotal moment, Rodney King made a televised plea for peace amidst the chaos.

Rodney King [18:52]: "I just want to say, you know, can we all get along? Can we? Can we get along?... We'll get our justice. They've won the battle, but they haven't won the war. We'll have our day in court and that's all we want."

King's call for unity highlighted the underlying frustration and desire for systemic change rather than continued violence.

---

Conclusion: Aftermath and Long-Term Impact

The 1992 Los Angeles Riots concluded on May 4, 1993, after the deployment of over 4,000 National Guard troops. The riots resulted in:

• Over 60 deaths, including 10 by law enforcement
• 2,000 injuries
• 12,000 arrests
• $1 billion in property damage, with nearly half attributed to Korean businesses

The aftermath saw Rodney King finally facing trial, where two of the four officers were convicted of civil rights violations. Additionally, LAPD Chief Daryl Gates retired amidst mounting criticism, symbolizing a shift in policing dynamics.

However, the riots left an enduring legacy of community distrust, racial tensions, and highlighted the urgent need for reform in law enforcement practices and economic equality.

Lindsey Graham [19:33]: "But the criticism of the police won't end with these convictions. For many, the lack of police protection during the LA riots will only spur on continued distrust of the LAPD..."

The episode underscores that the events of 1992 remain a crucial reference point in ongoing discussions about racial justice and police accountability in America.

---

Key Takeaways

• The Rodney King beating and subsequent acquittal of LAPD officers were pivotal in sparking the 1992 Los Angeles Riots.
• Deep-seated racial and economic tensions between Black and Korean communities contributed to the severity of the unrest.
• The riots resulted in significant loss of life, extensive property damage, and lasting societal impacts.
• The events highlighted systemic issues within law enforcement and the judicial system, prompting calls for comprehensive reforms.

History Daily provides a thorough exploration of these events, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of one of the most significant periods of civil unrest in American history.

---

For more captivating historical narratives, subscribe to History Daily on your preferred podcast platform.

Transcript

[Advertisement Voice]

There are more ways than ever to listen to History Daily ad free. Listen with Wondry plus in the Wondery app as a member of Noiser plus at noiser.com or in Apple Podcasts. Or you can get all of History Daily plus other fantastic history [e-mail] A.

[Lindsey Graham]

Listener note this episode contains descriptions of violence and may not be suitable for all audiences. It's just before 1am on March 3, 1991 at their apartment in the San Fernando Valley. George and Maria holiday wake to an unfamiliar sound. George tries to shut out the noise and fall back asleep, but the sound only gets louder and soon it's accompanied by police sirens. George and Maria get out of bed and walk to their balcony to investigate the source of the commotion. Outside, on the street below, George spots a parked white Hyundai. He watches as police cars surround the vehicle, which is illuminated by a helicopter spotlight. Soon, four officers approach the car. Instinctively, George runs back inside to grab his brand new video camera. He rushes back to the balcony and presses record just in time to capture one of the police officers striking the Hyundai's driver, a young black man, across the side of his head. George watches as the young man falls to the ground and the four officers surround him. While George looks on and films, dozens of police officers also watch from the perimeter as the young black man is kicked, stomped and struck 56 times before then being hogtied and dragged to the side of the road to wait for an ambulance. The driver of the Hyundai shown in George's video will soon be identified as 25 year old Rodney King. In the early morning of March 3, 1991, he was caught speeding on a Los Angeles freeway, but he didn't pull over, fearing that his probation for a robbery offense would be revoked. Instead, he led LAPD officers on a high speed chase for eight miles before eventually coming to a stop and then enduring the LAPD's brutal beating. The attack will leave King with 11 skull fractures, a broken leg, broken teeth, permanent brain damage, a pulverized eye socket and cheekbones so smashed they will require reconstructive surgery, unaware the incident was being recorded. The police will claim in their official incident report that King sustained only cuts and bruises of a minor nature. But George's footage will reveal the truth. Soon to be aired by television station ktla, Georgia's video will quickly become a media sensation and it will lead to the indictment of four LAPD officers on charges of assault and use of excessive force. The video will also spark outrage across the nation, showing an extent of police brutality that many white Americans had never imagined, but many black Americans knew too well. Yet even after the video's release, the LAPD will deny the incident was racially motivated. Still, for many Americans, the video will be clear evidence of police brutality and systemic racism. And one year after the police's beating of Rodney King, public outrage would boil over When a jury acquits on nearly all counts every officer charged in the beating of Rodney King on April 29, 1992.

[Advertisement Voice]

History Daily is sponsored by Express Pros. Managing your workforce can be exhausting, and if you're tired of a costly and lengthy hiring process, simplify and speed up your recruitment. With one connection, the experts at Express Employment Professionals reduce time to hire, cut down on interviews and lower your recruitment costs. Visit ExpressPros.com today. Express is more efficient than hiring on your own. Check out ExpressPros.com to see how Express employment professionals can take care of your hiring. History Daily is sponsored by Strangers in Time, the new epic novel from number one New York Times best selling author David Baldacci. In 1944 London three complete strangers must work together to survive World War II. But will they be able to escape their own dark secrets? Kate Quinn calls Strangers in Time Oliver Twist Meets the Blitz. A beautiful read and Lisa Scottellini says it's a masterpiece of a historical thriller. Strangers in Time is available in bookstores now.

[Lindsey Graham]

From Noiser and Airship I'm Lindsey Graham and this is History Daily. History is made every day on this podcast. Every day we tell the true stories of the people and events that shaped our world. Today is April 29, 1992 the Los Angeles riots. It's 10:00am On March 16, 1991 in South Los Angeles, 13 days after the beating of Rodney King, 9 year old Ismail Ali walks with his 13 year old sister toward a Korean corner store. For years, cheap real estate has drawn Korean business owners to south la, a predominantly black area. But tensions have been building between Korean store owners and their black customers over racism and economic inequality. Many black residents have struggled to watch Korean immigrants find opportunities in black communities that they feel deprived of. But Ismail is too young to know much about that. As he enters the market, the only thing on his mind is what candy to buy. As Ismail browses the shelves, he notices a young black girl enter the store behind him. He watches as she grabs an orange juice, puts the bottle in her bag and walks toward the counter. In her hand, Ismail spots a couple of crumpled dollar bills. But as she nears the counter, the Korean shopkeeper's voice rings out. Ismail listens to the woman behind the counter, accuse the girl of shoplifting before leaning across the counter, grabbing the girl by her sweater and reaching for her backpack. In response, the girl hits the shopkeeper, knocking her to the ground. Alarmed, Ismail reaches for his sister's hand as the shopkeeper jumps to her feet and throws a stool at the girl. The girl dodges the stool, tosses her bottle of orange juice on the counter, then turns to leave the store empty handed. But Ismael spots the shopkeeper's hand disappear under the counter. He's filled with dread as he watches the shopkeeper raise a revolver and fire a single shot into the back of the girl's head. The killing of 15 year old Latasha Harlands will send shockwaves through LA's black community, escalating tensions between the city's Korean and black residents. Soon, the LAPD will call a press conference to quell rumors that the shooting was racially motivated. Police Commander Michael Bostic will acknowledge the tensions between the area's Korean and black communities, but dismiss claims that the incident had racial overtones, simplifying the killing to just a business dispute. Eight months later, a jury will find the store owner Soon Ja do guilty of voluntary manslaughter, a verdict that will come with a recommended 16 year prison sentence. But Soon Ja do will never go to jail. Declaring her not a danger to the community, the judge will reduce her sentence to community service and a $500 fine. The lenient sentence will exacerbate many black residents distrust of the criminal justice system, deepening a cynicism that will soon turn to outrage and violence. It's 3:15pm on April 29, 1992, at the East County Courthouse in Simi Valley, one year after the beating of Rodney King, prosecutor Terry White tries to hide his anxiety as he waits to hear the jury's verdict. White knows that with the video evidence the prosecution has, this should be an open and shut case. But White also knows that he can't count on a guilty verdict with the jury. He's got Two weeks after the beating of Rodney King, the LA county district attorney charged four LAPD officers on charges of assault and use of excessive force. Five months ago, over concerns of a tainted jury, a judge made the decision to transfer the officer's trial from Los Angeles to Simi Valley, a conservative and 88% white suburb 35 miles north of LA. Last month, a panel composed of 10 white, one Hispanic and one Asian American juror was picked for the trial, a selection the LAPD officer's defense team labeled a gem of a jury. When White heard about the white majority of the jurors, he knew the odds would not be in the prosecution's favor. As a black man, White also wondered whether his race would be a liability at trial. Now, as he watches the clerk rise to deliver the jury's verdict, all he can do is hope and pray.

[Clerk]

We the jury in the above entitled action, find the defendant, Lawrence M. Powell, not guilty of the crime of assault by force likely to produce great bodily injury and with a deadly weapon.

[Lindsey Graham]

White's stomach sinks as the clerk reads the same verdict for the remaining three officers. In the end, all four will be found not guilty on all charges save one. The jury will fail to reach a verdict on one officer's charge of excessive force. Immediately after the delivery of the verdict, the city of Los Angeles will erupt in anger and protest. Within 30 minutes, a crowd of over 300 people will appear at the Los Angeles courthouse to protest the verdicts. Hundreds will storm LAPD's headquarters and thousands will take to the streets with a common declaration, no justice, no peace.

[Advertisement Voice]

History Daily is sponsored by atRuby. Lately you may have been hearing about a serious but rare heart condition called attr Cardiac Amyloidosis, or attrcm. Because symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions, it may take time to be diagnosed, but learning more about ATTRCM and a treatment called a truby, also called Acharamidus, could be important for you or a loved one. A A Truby is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with ATTRCM to reduce death and hospitalization due to heart issues. In one study, people taking a truby saw an impact on their health related quality of life and 50% fewer hospitalizations due to heart issues than people who didn't take a truby, giving you more chances to do what you love with who you love. Tell your doctor if you're pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding and about the medications you take. The most common side effects were mild and included diarrhea and abdominal pain. If you have attrcm, talk to your cardiologist about attruby or visit attruby.com that's attruby.com to learn more.

With the Spark CashPlus card from Capital One, you earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase and you get big purchasing power so your business can spend more and earn more. Steven, Brandon and Bruno, the business owners of SamCloud, reinvested their 2% cash back to help build their retail presence. Now that's Serious business. What could the SparkCashPlus card from Capital One do for your business? Capital One what's in your wallet? Find out [e-mail] sparkcashplus terms apply.

[Lindsey Graham]

It's 6:46pm on April 29, 1992, in South Los Angeles. On the TV in his living room, a black man named Titus Murphy watches in horror the violence unfolding just a few blocks away from his home. Over the last three hours, protests have given away to chaos. Titus has watched news coverage shift from the outrage outside the courthouse in Simi Valley to images of rioters lighting buildings on fire, looting businesses and throwing rocks at white drivers. Now, just blocks from Titus, at the intersection of Florence and Normandy, the violence has begun to escalate. Titus watches helicopter footage of rioters pulling a white truck driver out of his 18 wheeler and tossing him into the intersection, where they beat and kick him mercilessly. One of the rioters strikes him with a hammer. Another raises a cinder block and throws it at the truck driver's head. Seeing this, Titus decides he can cannot stand by and watch a man die. So Titus and his girlfriend Terry hop in their car and rush to the scene. When they arrive, they find another concerned citizen, a black woman at the truck driver's side trying to keep him alive. Titus and Terry join her. And then Titus looks around, hoping to find a police officer for help. Instead, he sees a black man running toward them. And for a moment, Titus worries that this man is a rioter who's come to finish off the injured driver. Titus relaxes when the man explains he's a fellow trucker who's here to help. Together, the four Good Samaritans drive the trucker to the nearest hospital. Reginald Denny, the truck driver, will come close to dying. X rays will reveal 91 fractures in his skull, a trauma that will leave him with a permanent crater in his forehead. But thanks to the help of Titus and other residents who assisted in the rescue, Denny will survive. But the violence won't end with Denny. Just minutes after his rescue, at the exact same intersection, a Guatemalan immigrant named Fidel Lopez will be mistakenly identified as white, pulled from his truck and violently attacked. But still, the LAPD are nowhere to be found. From the moment the violence first started, it will take the LAPD three hours to respond. Lopez's life will be saved by a black minister who will shield him from the rioters with his own body. As night falls, a crowd will gather for a peace rally at LA's First African Methodist Episcopal Church. There, Mayor Tom Bradley, L.A. s first black mayor will call for the violence to end before declaring a state of emergency. But Bradley's pleas will fall on deaf ears. It's April 30, 1992, in East LA, the second day of the riots. From her home in Koreatown, Jung Hui Lee watches as her TV is filled with images of fires, looting and armed Koreans strewn across rooftops. So far, at least 24 people have died and 900 have been injured in the riots. Two hours after yesterday's attack on Reginald Denny, Mayor Bradley ordered a citywide curfew and declared a state of emergency, allowing California Governor Pete Wilson to call on the National Guard. But a lack of preparation has delayed their deployment. Meanwhile, tensions between LA's black and Korean communities have caused Korean businesses to be disproportionately targeted by the rioters. Yesterday, Lee and her husband closed their stores to stay home with their son and daughter. And it's there, watching on tv, that Lee has seen her neighborhood in Koreatown be virtually abandoned by the police, leading many Korean residents to take up arms themselves to defend their stores and their community. Among these vigilante defenders is Lee's son, Eddie. Earlier today, Eddy heard a rumor that a group of rioters had taken over the rooftop of a Korean owned restaurant. So, against his mother, Lee's wishes, Eddie left the house to defend the neighborhood. Now, as Lee watches footage of armed Koreans stationed across rooftops, she worries for her son's safety. Feeling uneasy, Lee turns the TV off and listens to the radio instead. But her anxiety only grows as she hears a Korean man has been killed in a shooting in Koreatown. Lee tries to remain calm as she waits and prays for Eddie to walk in through their front door. But Eddie will never come home. Jun Hui Lee will learn that her son Eddie, on his way to defend Koreatown, was mistaken for a looter and shot by another Korean protecting the very rooftop Eddie left home to defend. Soon, 30,000 residents will assemble in Koreatown to march for peace. Eddie's family will be among them, and they won't be alone in their desire for the violence to end. The day after Eddie's death, Rodney Kennedy King will decide it's time for him to speak out.

[Advertisement Voice]

History Daily is sponsored by Indeed. Are you a business owner? I am. I run a podcast production company. And what's my number one expense? My people. But what's my number one competitive advantage? My people. And that makes any new hire my number one most critical business decision. It probably is for you, too. So remember this when it comes to hiring, indeed is all you need. Stop struggling to get your job post seen on other job sites. Indeed sponsored jobs help you stand out and hire fast. With sponsor jobs, your post jumps to the top of the page for your relevant candidates so you can reach the people you want faster. And you get all of this with no monthly subscriptions or long term contracts. There's no need to wait any longer. Speed up your hiring right now with Indeed History Daily listeners can get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility@ Indeed.com OnThisDay just go to Indeed.com OnThisDay right now to support the show and get hiring Indeed.com OnThisDay terms and conditions app. Indeed is all you need.

Craving your next action packed adventure? Audible delivers thrills of every kind on your command, like Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, where a lone astronaut must save humanity from extinction. Narrated with stunning intensity by Ray Porter. From electrifying suspense and daring quests to spine tingling horror and romance in far off realms, unleash your adventure aside with gripping titles that'll keep you guessing. Discover exclusive Audible originals, hotly anticipated new releases and must listen bestsellers that hook you from the first minute because Audible knows there's no greater thrill than the one that speaks to you. Discover what lies beyond the edge of your seat. Start your free 30 day trial at audible.com wonderyus that's audible.com wonderyus It's May.

[Lindsey Graham]

1, 1992, the third day of the riots. Reporters swarm the site of a press conference where Rodney King prepares to make a televised statement. Since the riots began, dozens have died and hundreds have been injured. But throughout the violence, Rodney King has stayed out of the limelight. Today, though, he decides it's time to make his voice heard.

[Rodney King]

I just want to say, you know, can we all get along? Can we? Can we get along? Can we stop making it horrible for the older people and the kids? I mean, we've got enough smog here in Los Angeles, let alone to deal with the setting these fires and things. It's just not right. It's not right and it's not going to change anything. We'll get our justice. They've won the battle, but they haven't won the war. We'll have our day in court and that's all we want.

[Lindsey Graham]

The day of King's plea, 4,000 National Guard troops will arrive in LA. By the evening, the bulk of the troops will be deployed in the streets. And over the next three days, the riots will subside, coming to an end on May 4, 1993. But the damage to LA will linger, with South Los Angeles and Koreatown bearing the brunt of the devastation. All told, More than 60 people will die during the riots, 10 of them shot and killed by law enforcement. Over 2,000 will be injured and more than 12,000 arrested. The total material and property damage will be estimated at $1 billion. Damage to Korean owned businesses will account for nearly half of this amount, and it will be one year later that Rodney King will get his day in court. Three months after the riots, the four officers acquitted in King's beating will be indicted by a federal grand jury on civil rights violations. Amid mounting public pressure and under criticism from his own rank and file, LAPD Chief Daryl Gates will retire as police chief the same day. And on April 17, 1993, the federal jury will convict two of the four officers. But the criticism of the police won't end with these convictions. For many, the lack of police protection during the LA riots will only spur on a continued distrust of the lapd, a distrust that many Americans feel is misfounded until widespread use of video cameras and cell phones begins to build an increasingly convincing and disturbing case that systemic racism, police brutality and economic inequality persist long after the jury read the verdict that sparked the LA riots on April 29, 1992.

[Advertisement Voice]

Next on History Daily April 30, 1943. British agents launch an operation to deceive German intelligence using using a submarine, fake.

[Lindsey Graham]

Invasion plans and a dead body From Noiser and Airship. This is History Daily Hosted, edited and executive produced by me, Lindsey Graham Audio editing and sound design by Molly Bond Music by Lindsey Graham. This episode is written and researched by Alexandra Curry Buckner Executive producer are Steven Walters for Airship, Pascal Hughes for Noiser.

[Chico Felitti]

Everyone has that friend who seems kind of perfect for Patty. That friend was Desiree. Until one day I texted her and.

[Kat Torres]

She was not getting the text. So I went to Instagram. She has no Instagram anymore. Anymore. And Facebook. No Facebook anymore.

[Chico Felitti]

Desiree was gone. And there was one person who knew the answer.

[Lindsey Graham]

I am a spiritual person. A magical person, a witch.

[Chico Felitti]

A gorgeous Brazilian influencer called Kat Torres, but who was hiding a secret from Wondery. Based on my smash hit podcast. From Brazil comes a new series, Don't Cross Cat, about a search that led me to a mystery in a Texas suburb. I'm calling to check on the two missing Brazilian girls.

[Advertisement Voice]

Maybe get some undercover crew there.

[Lindsey Graham]

The family are freaking out. They are lost.

[Chico Felitti]

I'm Chico Felitti. You can listen to Don't Cross Cat on the Wondery app. Or wherever you get your podcasts.