Video: 'L.A. Riots of 1992: Rodney King speaks; Late troop arrival'

(Friday, May 1, 1992, 2:45 p.m. PDT) — The 1992 Los Angeles riots was punctuated today by live footage of Rodney King, the man whose videotaped beating led to the rioting, appealing for calm, gave an impromptu news conference in front of his lawyer’s office, tearfully saying, “People, I just want to say, you know, can we all get along?”

The 1992 Los Angeles riots began Apr. 29, 1992, just hours after a jury acquitted four officers of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) charged with using excessive force in the Mar. 3, 1991, arrest and beating of King. This incident had been videotaped and widely shown in television broadcasts.

Upon request, President George H.W. Bush invoked the Insurrection Act with Executive Order 12804, federalizing the California Army National Guard and authorizing federal troops and federal law enforcement officers to help restore law and order.

Video: 'MT2821 Address to the Nation Regarding the Riots in Los Angeles - 01 May 1992'

Later that evening (at 9:03 p.m. EDT/6:03 p.m. PDT), Bush addressed the country, denouncing “random terror and lawlessness.” Citing the “urgent need to restore order,” he warned that the “brutality of a mob” would not be tolerated.

“Let me assure you, I will use whatever force is necessary to restore order,” Bush said in an address to the nation. “I guarantee you, this violence will end.”

Bush also said he had directed the Justice Department to investigate the King case, and that “grand jury action is underway today,” and justice would prevail.