On Saturday night, downtown Los Angeles was the scene of chaos as hundreds gathered for an illegal party. The event, which was promoted online, attracted around 700 people, many of whom were minors. The parties took place on rooftops in the 1700 block of Trinity Avenue, without the knowledge of the property owner.
As the night unfolded, some attendees began to spill into the surrounding streets, leading to significant vandalism. Reports indicate that a group of about 100 people broke off from the party and caused extensive damage, vandalizing vehicles, storefronts, and even a Metro train. Witnesses described scenes of destruction as individuals spray-painted buildings and set off fireworks. Some even threw Molotov cocktails at security personnel and police officers.
The Los Angeles Police Department responded quickly to the situation. Cmdr. Lillian Carranza stated that officers were heavily outnumbered and decided to clear the area instead of making arrests. One officer was injured during the chaos when a bottle struck them in the face. Despite the violence, no arrests were made that night.
Local business owners expressed their frustration on Tuesday morning as they cleaned up the aftermath. Dr. Afshin Akhavan, who runs a clinic nearby, commented on the vandalism, saying it highlighted ongoing issues in the city. Teddy Lee, owner of DTLA Window Tint, shared that his store’s surveillance cameras captured the vandalism in action, showing individuals casually approaching with spray cans.
Mayor Karen Bass addressed the incident during a Memorial Day event, calling for accountability for those responsible. She emphasized that such behavior is unacceptable and those involved must face consequences.
In response to the vandalism, police are actively investigating. Detectives are canvassing local businesses for security footage and are monitoring social media for leads. They are particularly focused on identifying the individuals who organized and promoted the illegal parties.
This incident is not isolated. Residents recall similar disruptive behavior during major celebrations in the city, suggesting a pattern of chaos during large gatherings. Shae Cook, a recent transplant to Los Angeles, noted that people often take out their frustrations on the city during such events.
As the investigation continues, the community is left to grapple with the damage and the broader implications of the unrest in downtown Los Angeles.