LAX Leader

WASHINGTON, DC -- On May 5, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) was joined by Members of the California Delegation, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12), Congressman Adam Schiff (CA-30), Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-36), Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Congresswoman Katie Porter (CA-47), and Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42) in introducing a resolution commemorating the 31st anniversary of the 1992 Los Angeles Riots. The resolution pays recognition to the lives lost and thousands injured during the unrest while highlighting the continued need for police accountability, unity, and civility in Los Angeles.

"I am proud to be joined by my colleagues in the California delegation to introduce this resolution as we remember the Los Angeles Riots 31 years following the horrific beating of Rodney King,” said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. “The cruel attack at the hands of law enforcement toward Rodney King exposed the nation to the realities of police brutality, while the officers' acquittal was the breaking point for Black Angelenos who could no longer bear injustice from those sworn to serve. Decades later, we are still grappling with a culture of excessive force from police around our nation,  and we must continue to call for reform in our policing system that protects Black and brown people. With this resolution, we recognize this moment in our history and redouble our efforts to hold wrongdoing accountable, reform our criminal justice system, and ensure safe communities in Los Angeles and around our county.”

"More than three decades after the brutal beating of Rodney King, we are still fighting for police accountability and racial justice," said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. "The murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tyre Nichols, and so many others are a solemn reminder that there is much more work to be done. This resolution recognizes the need for comprehensive police reform, oversight, and accountability and recommits Congress to meaningfully addressing police brutality.”

“Today marks a tragic anniversary in Los Angeles history, when we recall the terrible violence against Rodney King by police,” said Congressman Adam Schiff. “In joining this resolution, I urge Congress to take action on police accountability and reform, so that Black people in America don’t have to live in fear of every traffic stop, of knocking on the wrong door, of walking down the street, or of standing up for their rights.”

“On March 3, 1992 four members of the Los Angeles Police Department beat a 25-year-old Black man named Rodney King within an inch of his life during what should have been a routine traffic stop. Since 1992, an untold number of Black Americans have suffered the same racial profiling and police violence that nearly claimed the life of Rodney King,” said Congressman Ted Lieu. “It must end. I’m proud to join my colleagues Representatives Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Robert Garcia, Jimmy Gomez, Barbara Lee, Katie Porter, and Adam Schiff in leading a resolution commemorating the 31st anniversary of the 1992 Los Angeles Riots and calling for police accountability and reform to protect the safety of all Americans.”

“The 1992 Los Angeles uprising was a watershed moment for our city that brought national attention to issues of economic inequality, police brutality, and racism that have plagued our communities for far too long,” said Congressman Jimmy Gomez. “Thirty-one years later, we are reminded that the fight for racial justice is far from over, but there is much cause for hope. I have seen the Black, Latino, and Korean communities come together to heal and chart a new path for future generations. This includes the effort to rebuild Koreatown, home to the largest Korean American diaspora in the country. With this resolution, we remember the individuals who lost their lives and their livelihoods and recommit to strengthening relationships among our many diverse communities, standing up against hate and racism, and denouncing injustice in all its forms.”

“As we commemorate the anniversary of the LA Riots, we recommit ourselves to the ongoing pursuit of freedom and justice for every American,” said Congresswoman Katie Porter. “In the 31 years since the LA Riots, we have lost too many Black and brown lives to police brutality. I am proud to join with my California colleagues to remember this important moment in our history.”

“I am proud to help lead this effort recognizing the 31st Anniversary of the 1992 Los Angeles Riots, a tragic event that shook our nation to its core. While much has changed in the decades since the riots, we acknowledge that systemic racism and inequality persist in our society today. This resolution recognizes the continued need for police oversight, accountability, and reform in 2023 just as it was needed in 1992,” said Congressman Robert Garcia. “Rodney King, Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Sandra Bland, Tamir Rice, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Tyre Nichols should all still be alive. We must recommit ourselves to fighting for justice and working together to build a more inclusive and just society, where everyone can thrive.”

In the 31 years since the brutal beating of Rodney King, thousands of Black Americans have continued to be the subject of racial profiling, often resulting in severe injury or loss of life. This level of violence is unacceptable.

This resolution is an important step toward recognizing the continued need for police oversight, accountability, and reform in 2023, just as it was needed in 1992. As a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove will continue to work in Congress to ensure the safety of Black Americans in this country especially Black men, who are disproportionately more likely to be targeted by the police.

Read the resolution text here. 

Original source can be found here.