Video: 1992 Los Angeles Riots (KTLA-TV, Apr. 30, 1992, starting at 6:50 p.m. PDT)

(Thursday, April 30, 1992) — A second day of violence following the acquittal of three white and one Hispanic Los Angeles police officers in the videotaped beating of black motorist Rodney King appeared widespread and unchecked as heavy looting and fires were witnessed today across Los Angeles County.

The Korean American community, seeing the police force’s abandonment of Koreatown, organized armed security teams composed of store owners, who defended their livelihoods from assault by the mobs. Open gun battles were televised as Korean shopkeepers exchanged gunfire with armed looters.