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African-American motorist Rodney King is severely beaten by LAPD officers after a high-speed chase. Local resident, George Holliday videotapes the beating, which KTLA broadcasts. Video from LA Times
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Videotape begins to be widely broadcast, sparking national outrage. Video from ABC News
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LAPD Sgt. Stacey Koon and Officers Laurence Powell, Theodore Briseno and Timothy Wind are charged with assault and use of excessive force. <a href+="http://articles.latimes.com/1991-03-16/news/mn-155_1_police-officers">LA Times Article</a>
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All four officers enter “not guilty” pleas. Article on LA Times
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Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley appoints attorney and diplomat Warren Christopher to chair a citizen commission on LAPD practices and procedures. LA Times Article
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“Christopher Commission” report concludes that “a significant number of officers in the LAPD...repetitively use excessive force against the public.” LA Times Article Full text of report:
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Superior Court Judge Stanley Weisberg orders trial moved from Los Angeles County to Simi Valley in Ventura County. LA Times Article
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A jury of ten Caucasians, one Hispanic and one Filipino-American acquits the officers. Riots break out in South Central Los Angeles.
LA Times Article -
Violence, looting and fires spread to other parts of the city. Mayor Bradley imposes a dusk-to-dawn curfew. The National Guard is deployed. KTLA coverage via YouTube
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Rodney King makes a television appearance appealing for calm. President Bush addresses the nation and outlines a federal response to the riots. Rodney King Appearance on CNN via YouTube
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Front Page of the LA Times: "Looting and Fires Ravage L.A. 25 Deat, 572 Injured; 1,000 Blazes Reported
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4,000 soldiers and Marines are dispatched to disperse the crowds. Violence ebbs. 30,000 people attend a Koreatown peace rally. LA Times Article
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Mayor Bradley lifts the curfew. Sporadic violence continues for several days. LA Times Article
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LAPD Chief Daryl Gates resigns. He is replaced by Willie L. Williams, the first-ever African-American police chief of the L.A.P.D. LA Times Article
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A federal grand jury indicts the four accused officers for violations of King’s civil rights. NY Times Article
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Jury in federal trial finds Koon and Powell guilty and acquits Briseno and Wind. LA Times Article
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U.S. District Judge John G. Davies sentences Stacey Koon and Laurence Powell to 30 months in prison. <a href=""http://articles.latimes.com/1993-08-05/news/mn-20655_1_officer-powell">LA Times Article</a>