National
Fan Celebration of Lakers Victory near Staples Center Prompts Police Response
LOS ANGELES (CNS) – Several thousand Lakers fans flocked to the area outside the Staples Center to celebrate the team’s 17th NBA Championship, and some people in the crowd vandalized property and looted businesses, prompting police to make more than 75 arrests and freeway ramps leading to the area were closed until Monday morning.
Eight officers suffered injuries, and two people in the crowd were injured by “less lethal munitions fired by our officers,” the Los Angeles Police Department reported about 8 a.m. Monday. More than 30 buildings were damaged, police said.
There were 76 arrests for various crimes, including vandalism, assault on a police officer, and failure to disperse, police said.
“What started out as a largely peaceful celebration of the Los Angeles Lakers NBA championship in downtown Los Angeles turned into confrontational, violent and destructive behavior late last night,” the LAPD said in a statement.
“A crowd of more than 1,000 revelers descended into the area around Staples Center after the game. Unruly individuals mixed within the crowd began throwing glass bottles, rocks, and other projectiles at officers. That is when an unlawful assembly was declared, and only a limited number of people complied and began to disperse,” the LAPD said.
“A larger portion of the group broke off and began vandalizing business while continuing to engage in violent behavior, some aimed at responding officers,” the LAPD said.
Officers in riot gear were shown in videos from the scene firing non- lethal rounds at celebrants who threw fireworks, rocks and bottles at police after they were ordered to disperse. Video also showed people in the crowd trying to damage police vehicles by kicking and throwing objects at them.
Videos just after 11 p.m. Sunday showed a police bus filled with fans apparently arrested by Los Angeles police officers around Staples Center during a celebration, and others handcuffed and lined up on a sidewalk.
Also after 11 p.m., a photo posted on Twitter showed several Lakers fans standing atop an orange MTA bus spray-painted with graffiti. Another picture amid reports of looting showed a Starbucks that had been looted and painted with graffiti.
Before the scene began to turn ugly, people were seen dancing on Chick Hearn Court and Figueroa Street and setting off firecrackers. Cars were also seen doing donuts on the streets.
At around 10 p.m., video showed paramedics loading a person into a Los Angeles Fire Department ambulance at Figueroa and 11th streets.
At the request of the LAPD, the California Highway Patrol issued a SigAlert and blocked the northbound Pico Boulevard and Ninth Street off-ramps from the Harbor (110) Freeway, as well as the Pico Boulevard off-ramp from the eastbound Santa Monica (10) Freeway. Those ramps were reopened at 1:08 a.m., according to CHP Officer Patrick Kimball.
By: NBC Palm Springs
October 12, 2020
Latest Instagram Posts
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1 Silias Bloodworth with the scoop and score, 2) Eusebio Gallo with the kickoff touchdown, 3) Keymorie Rogers with the throw on the run, 4) Damian Durinzi with the rushing TD, or 5) Mario Gallo with the dot towards the endzone #fypage #fridaynightlights #football #hondaofthedesert #highschoolfootball
Hundreds gathered outside the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., for the “Hands Around the Kennedy Center” rally, protesting President Donald Trump’s handling of the performing arts center. The demonstration came after the Kennedy Center board voted to close the facility for repairs and amid an ongoing dispute over the center’s future. Actress and singer Lynda Carter was among those who addressed the crowd. apnews.com Watch the latest video on NBC Palm Springs.
Alice B. has announced it’s closing its doors. It’s cozy atmosphere and unique seasonal menu made it a must try and even landed it in the Michelin guide. @susanfeniger and @marysuemilliken left their mark on the desert over at Living Out and it will be missed. Here’s a clip from one of our last interviews with Susan.
Cathedral City City Council votes to rename “LGBT+ Days” to “Cathedral City Pride”. The council approved the change in a 5-0 vote during its latest meeting, updating the official name of the city’s annual celebration. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs to see what this means to the Coachella Valley Community #CathedralCity #pride #CityCouncil #CoachellaValley #LocalNews
Discover the Coachella Valley with the Everything Palm Springs app. From iconic attractions and hidden gems to local restaurants, shops, entertainment and even filming locations, the map-based app is designed to help both visitors and locals find more of what the desert has to offer. Creator Lindsay Kinkle is also expanding the app with video tours and narrated guides, giving users another way to explore Palm Springs and the surrounding communities. Local businesses like Buena Matcha are also getting a chance to connect with new customers through the platform. As Lindsay says, there’s so much to do and enjoy here — you just have to know where to look. #PalmSprings #CoachellaValley #EverythingPalmSprings #PalmSpringsApp #VisitPalmSprings DesertLife LocalBusiness CoachellaValleyBusiness NBCPalmSprings
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
What’s next for Palm Desert? Join community leaders, local businesses and regional stakeholders for the 2026 State of the City Address. Topics: • Economic Development • Infrastructure • Public Safety • Community Programs • Palm Desert’s Future CTA: Friday, September 18 | 11:30 AM JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort
Former Silvercrest CEO, William Rodriguez is expected back in court today in connection with the deadly 2024 Cathedral City hit and run that killed a woman. The murder charge was dismissed, but Rodriguez still faces felony hit and run and suspended license charges.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
Murder suspect Vicky Kim has once again not been cleared to appear in court. Kim is accused of killing her husband at their Palm Desert condominium complex. Her arraignment has now been delayed three times. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs as we track the latest developments in this case. #VickyKim #PalmDesert #CoachellaValley #BreakingNews #CourtUpdate NBCPalmSprings