Customers in downtown Los Angeles found themselves confused and concerned on Tuesday morning. The area, which had been vibrant just days before, was now marred by graffiti and signs of chaos following a wild weekend.
On Saturday night, a large crowd gathered for an illegal party in the downtown area. Police reported that around 700 people, many of them minors, attended two parties on adjacent rooftops, which were being held without the owner’s knowledge. The events were heavily promoted on social media, drawing in a massive crowd.
As the night progressed, some attendees spilled into the streets, leading to a spree of vandalism. They damaged vehicles, storefronts, and even a Metro train. Police officers who responded to the situation faced hostility, with one officer reportedly injured after being struck in the face with a bottle. Despite the chaos, no arrests were made that night.
Los Angeles Police Department Cmdr. Lillian Carranza explained that the officers were outnumbered and opted to clear the area instead of making arrests. She assured the public that those responsible for the vandalism would be pursued.
Local business owners expressed their frustration. Dr. Afshin Akhavan, who runs a health clinic nearby, described the damage as unprecedented. His clinic’s windows were covered in red and black spray paint, a sight echoed across many businesses in the area. Teddy Lee, the owner of DTLA Window Tint, shared that his store’s cameras captured footage of the vandalism. He watched the video in disbelief, wondering what could be done to prevent such incidents in the future.
In response to the incident, Mayor Karen Bass spoke at a Memorial Day event and condemned the vandalism. She emphasized that such behavior is unacceptable and called for accountability for those involved.
The police are now working to identify the individuals behind the vandalism. Detectives are canvassing local businesses for witnesses and reviewing security footage. They are also monitoring social media for evidence related to the parties and the vandalism.
This incident has reignited concerns about public safety during large gatherings in Los Angeles. Many residents remember similar chaos during past celebrations, such as the 2020 Dodgers’ World Series victory, when vandalism and destruction also erupted in the streets.
As downtown Los Angeles begins to recover from this weekend’s events, the community is left grappling with the aftermath and hoping for a more peaceful future.