The 1992 Los Angeles riots occurred.
1992 Los Angeles riots . It then spread throughout the Los Angeles metropolitan area as thousands of people rioted over a six-day period following the announcement of the verdict . Widespread looting , assault , arson , and killings occurred during the riots , and estimates of property damage were over $ 1 billion . Order was only restored after members of the California Army National Guard , the 7th Infantry Division , and the 1st Marine Division were called in to stop the rioting when local police could not control the situation . In total , 58 people were killed during the riots , more than 2,000 people were injured , and more than 11,000 were arrested .