LAPD’s Response to the Riot

When the two LAPD cars left the threatening group on the corner of Florence and Normandie April 29, they invited the group to attack the first target of opportunity. Reginald Denny’s gravel truck symbolized a working white man and Denny was there to be beaten as Rodney King was--on the ground, overwhelmed and injured.

We have bought the LAPD new guns, new protective clothing, new equipment of all types, and we receive inaction and a show of cowardice when the situation gets dicey. Not all LAPD officers are like those in the two cars, but there must be enough for a thorough housecleaning.

I am sickened by the lame explanation from Gates. He adds administrative cowardice to the physical.

LOUIS G. VARGO, Trabuco Canyon