Los Angeles Riots of 1992

United States history

Written by

Jeff Wallenfeldt

Fact-checked by

Britannica Editors

Last updated

Oct. 12, 2026 •History

Los Angeles Riots of 1992, major outbreak of violence, looting, and arson in Los Angeles that began on April 29, 1992, in response to the acquittal of four white Los Angeles policemen on all but one charge (on which the jury was deadlocked) connected with the severe beating of Rodney King, an African American motorist, in March 1991. As a result of several days of rioting, more than 50 people were killed, more than 2,300...