Lora King, daughter of Rodney King, whose brutal beating by the white police sparked the riots in Los Angeles 20 years ago, spoke Wednesday of her father’s case and the death of George Floyd.
Asked if he thought we would see justice for Floyd’s death, he said, “I don’t want to be negative, but no.”
“I still don’t feel like the officers involved in my father’s beating – I don’t think we got justice for them,” he said. “None of them have received long-term convictions … One of them is employed, I think, by the Santa Monica department or the Culver City department. Which is very depressing for me. Because that means he got his job back, which means someone else is now suffering because I’m sure he hasn’t learned because I’m sure he hasn’t received a long-term sentence. “
Some context: In 1991, Rodney King was severely beaten by LAPD officers after a high-speed chase through Los Angeles county.
The beating video, taken by a witness, shows that King has been hit by police sticks more than 50 times. Over 20 agents were present on the scene, most of the LAPD. King suffered 11 fractures and other injuries from the beating.
Four police officers were indicted, but they were acquitted – and black Los Angeles erupted in outrage. The ensuing riots led to more than 50 dead and $ 1 billion in property damage.
Lora on the death of George Floyd: Lora King was roughly the same age as George Floyd’s daughter during the beatings and riots.
King said that what happened to his father was “something I live with every single day. And it is something that (George Floyd’s daughter), unfortunately, will live with every single day. I don’t wish anyone.”
“You know, that night, my father was beaten. I lost a part of him but I didn’t lose him, luckily, thank God … as for that night, I had to hug my father after that Even though it’s never been the same. He’ll never have this opportunity. And for me, it’s … it’s disgusting, “he said.
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