A view of homeless person sleeping at bus stop on Wilshire Boulevard in Westwood, graffiti stating FUCK THE POLICE, also graffiti referencing Rodney King … The next day he declared Los Angeles a federal disaster area.

George Bush dispatched 3,000–4,000 army troops and marines, along with 1,000 riot-trained federal law officers, to help restore order. The Arrest of Rodney King on March 3, 1991. On May 1 Rodney King, speaking on television, made a plea for calm, famously asking, “Can we get along?” That day, U.S. Pres. King was charged with felony evading. Rodney Glen King (1965-2012) was the victim of an abusive arrest by Los Angeles police officers on March 3, 1991. Rodney King Riot. March 3, 1991: After being seen speeding on the 210 freeway by CHP officers, King led them on a chase at speeds estimated at up to 110 to 115 mph. Two officers involved in the arrest were found guilty of depriving King of his civil rights. When finally stopped, King refused requests to get into the prone position and appeared to charge one of the officers.

He was beaten and arrested. Rodney King's death resulted from accidental drowning, although alcohol, cocaine, marijuana and PCP were found in his blood, officials say.