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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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A rioter breaks a glass door of the Criminal Courts building in downtown Los Angeles on April 29.
A rioter breaks a glass door of the Criminal Courts building in downtown Los Angeles on April 29.
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A California Highway Patrol officer directs traffic around a shopping center engulfed in flames on April 30.
A California Highway Patrol officer directs traffic around a shopping center engulfed in flames on April 30.
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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?"
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?"
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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.
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.
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Looters target a shopping center in Los Angeles on April 30.
Looters target a shopping center in Los Angeles on April 30.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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