A wave of vandalism swept through downtown Los Angeles late Saturday night as a large crowd descended upon the city streets, participating in a destructive spree that targeted businesses, Metro trains, and an LAPD police vehicle. According to a report by NBC4, the Los Angeles Police Department responded to calls just after midnight with reports indicating five suspects were actively vandalizing the interior of a Metro train.
The chaos began with more than 300 people gathering for an unpermitted rooftop event at an abandoned building, ABC7 detailed. In a statement given to KTLA, Metro stated, "Around midnight, approximately 50 trespassers blocked two A Line trains traveling northbound and southbound at the intersection of Washington Boulevard and Maple Street." Engulfed by the night's fervor, the mob spray-painted both the outer and inner surfaces of the southbound train.
As the LAPD attempted to contain the situation, police officers found themselves deploying rubber bullets to disperse the participants who also indulged in illegal fireworks, drug use, and public drinking, as per ABC7. The same source reported that aside from the significant disruption causing a 20-minute delay in Metro service, no train operators or passengers suffered injuries.
Footage obtained by KTLA showcased vandals defacing an LAPD squad car, some even stopping to pose in front of the vandalized vehicle. Amidst the pandemonium, businesses such as a Panda Express and a dialysis clinic bore the brunt of the vandal's spray paint, with graffiti marking their exteriors.
Residents in the affected area voiced concerns over safety, with one unnamed woman telling NBC4 that her friend and cousin's cars were targeted by the vandals. In the aftermath, Mayor Bass condemned the destruction, stating, "This kind of behavior is totally unacceptable and has no place in our city." Several local businesses impacted by the incidents have been pledged support by Mayor Bass's office, as noted in the same NBC4 report.
The LAPD, attired in riot gear, eventually brought the night to a close by declaring an unlawful assembly and forming a skirmish line, effectively clearing the mob by 1:00 a.m. Sunday. No information about arrests has come to light as of 3:00 p.m. Sunday, post the incident, but LAPD continues its investigation and urges anyone with further information to contact Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477), according to KTLA.
