In May 1992, the United States experienced a surge of civil unrest in Los Angeles, following the acquittal of four officers who were involved in the beating of Rodney King, a Black man. The event sparked widespread violence, looting, and destruction, with over 60 people losing their lives and more than 2,000 injured, according to the Los Angeles Times. Amidst the chaos, Tony Moon, a 19-year-old Korean-American, stood his ground and armed himself to protect his community, becoming one of the ‘rooftop Koreans’ who fought against the rioters.
Thirty-three years later, Moon is speaking out against the ongoing protests in the city, which he believes are not organic but rather a politically manufactured effort to instigate chaos. He pointed out the stark contrast between the unrest of 1992 and today’s events, suggesting that the current disturbances have no real local backing and are designed to mirror the BLM/Antifa movements of 2020. Moon emphasized that the current rioters are searching for a martyr, much like George Floyd, to fuel the unrest. Additionally, he encouraged residents to take a proactive stance, including investing in firearms, to protect themselves and their businesses.
The unrest in Los Angeles in recent weeks has been driven by anti-ICE demonstrations, with rioters clashing with law enforcement and causing widespread damage in the city’s streets. The mayor, Karen Bass, has attributed the recent tensions to President Donald Trump’s actions, including the deployment of National Guard troops to protect federal properties. The Trump administration has since ordered 2,000 more National Guard members to the city, further intensifying the situation. The involvement of federal agencies like ICE and the clashes with rioters have heightened the conflict, with many residents expressing concerns about their safety amid the ongoing violence and instability.