Rodney King Ferguson Riots

Since August, you can not turn on the news without hearing about Ferguson, Missouri. There has been much debate over the police officer’s use of deadly force against an unarmed teenager and if it was justifiable. The country watched as protests and riots broke out during the summer months when the officer was not immediately arrested. And again when the grand jury returned their decision the country watched waiting to see the reaction of the community. There was hope that all the talks and trainings leading up to the verdict, that peaceful protests would be the only reaction, but deep down the community prepared for what was to come that night. The country watched while stores were looted and cars and building were set on fire. Local police

Los Angeles experienced a very similar situation to Ferguson. When four Los Angeles police officers that had been videotaped beating an unarmed African-American driver were acquitted of any offense in the arrest, anger and protest swiftly turned to violence, as “rioters in south-central Los Angeles blocked freeway traffic and beat motorists, wrecked and looted numerous downtown stores and buildings, and set more than 100 fires” (This Day in History, April). The video of Rodney King’s being beaten was constantly broadcasted on television, fueling anger over what was interpreted as a pattern of hostility and abuse by the Los Angeles police toward Africa-Americans and Hispanics.

Peaceful protests, civil disobedience, and demonstrations are common ways to express non acceptance of something that has been done or a law that is not acceptable. However, riots are unlawful and violent acts that do not accomplish anything positive. Although America’s First Amendment protects our right to peacefully assemble and our freedom of speech, the riots that occurred in Los Angeles and also in Ferguson Missouri is socially

Riots do not make a purpose, except for that they are criminal activities. “Riots are an offense against the public, peace and order” and is defined by “three or more people who are out of control, causing injuries or endangering the safety of others They often violate various laws and cause or threaten property” (n.d., 2008) Police officers will inform that the people have “unlawfully assembled” and they should disperse. If the crowds do not disperse the members can be arrested with multiple chagres ranging from disturbing the peace, rioting or resisting