What started out as a largely peaceful celebration of the Los Angeles Lakers NBA championship in downtown Los Angeles, turned into confrontational, violent and destructive behavior late last night.
A crowd of more than 1,000 revelers descended into the area around Staples Center after the game. Unruly individuals mixed within the crowd began throwing glass bottles, rocks, and other projectiles at officers. That is when an unlawful assembly was declared, and only a limited number of people complied and began to disperse. A larger portion of the group broke off and began vandalizing businesses while continuing to engage in violent behavior, some aimed at responding officers.
Lakers fans trashing police cars pic.twitter.com/Koi9Rk5jvr
— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) October 12, 2020
A huge Lakers celebration ended in looting and vandalism after last night’s NBA Championship win. 76 people arrested by LAPD and 30+ buildings were damaged. @GDLA @FOXLA #Lakers pic.twitter.com/Z1Q6gM3M5t
— Mario Ramirez (@MarioFOXLA) October 12, 2020
WATCH LIVE: Fans have gathered near Staples Center to celebrate the #Lakers winning the franchise's 17th title. https://t.co/1bStk5gjdh pic.twitter.com/jUuUCE4azw
— NBC Los Angeles (@NBCLA) October 12, 2020
In total, 76 individuals were arrested for Vandalism, Assault on a Police Officer, and Failure to Disperse. Two of the members of the crowd were injured by less lethal munitions fired by our officers, and they were taken to area hospitals. Eight police officers were also injured and received medical treatment. More than 30 buildings and establishments were damaged by the crowd, as well as a city MTA bus.
