Following the Los Angeles Dodgers’ narrow victory [1] over the New York Yankees to clinch the 2024 World Series, celebrations in Los Angeles took a chaotic turn on Wednesday night as looting erupted across parts of the city.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) quickly reported “looting at several stores in the area of 8th and Broadway,” cautioning residents to avoid the area for their own safety.
The LAPD took to X, issuing a stern message for bystanders to “leave the area immediately” and obey any instructions from officers on the scene, as reported by Newsweek [2].
Meanwhile in L/A Riots & Looting after the Dodgers win World Series….. pic.twitter.com/oCtt0ITWci [3]
— *BT*™️ (@Bikertrash_68) October 31, 2024 [4]
Videos from social media circulated, capturing crowds breaking into a local store and carrying off boxes of goods as police attempted to control the escalating situation.
Looters in Downtown Los Angeles carry out boxes of shoes from the Jordan Store #Dodgers [5] #Looting [6] #Looters [7] #DTLA [8] #WorldSeries [9] pic.twitter.com/WtjE8GguL0 [10]
— Arrow (@arrowhead03) October 31, 2024 [11]
In a particularly dangerous episode, LAPD reported that a “hostile crowd” had swarmed a Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) bus near Sunset and Echo Park and had tried to set it on fire.
Footage from Los Angeles Scanner on X showed the bus in flames, surrounded by a mix of distressed fans and police, working to prevent further damage in the wake of the Dodgers’ win.
Bus in flames at Sunset and Echo Park pic.twitter.com/GJARcsY541 [12]
— Los Angeles Scanner (@LosAngeles_Scan) October 31, 2024 [13]
As the night wore on, LAPD reported that crowds had started shifting locations, moving from 8th and Broadway to nearby intersections, including 9th and Grand.
At another scene near Olympic and Grand, officers were reportedly met with “various projectiles” such as rocks and bottles, prompting the LAPD to call in additional resources to restore order.
The LAPD issued dispersal orders for multiple parts of the city, including the intersections of Olympic Boulevard and Figueroa, Sunset and Vin Scully, Sunset and Douglas, and 9th and Flower, attempting to prevent further unrest.
As law enforcement remained on tactical alert, tensions ran high in some areas, sparking an increased police presence throughout the night.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass responded, expressing zero tolerance for violent behavior during what was meant to be a time of celebration. In a statement shared by ABC7, Bass announced that the LAPD was operating under a strategic plan designed to protect local communities and businesses.
“LAPD is currently on tactical alert and has activated a strategic plan to protect communities and businesses,” Bass affirmed, noting that the department is working closely with regional partners to keep Angelenos safe during the festivities.
LAPD has activated a citywide Tactical Alert pic.twitter.com/lNc4w0P1YI [14]
— FAITH DΞFΞNDER (@faithdefender) October 31, 2024 [15]
The Dodgers’ triumphant 7-6 win at Yankee Stadium marked a four-games-to-one series victory. To honor the team’s achievement, a ticketed celebration is set for Dodger Stadium, followed by a parade through downtown Los Angeles on Friday morning.
Mayor Bass pledged to maintain peace during the citywide event, stating the city is committed to “welcoming the Dodgers back home in style.”