The Los Angeles riots of 1992, also known as the Roney King uprising or the Rodney King riots, were sparked on April 29, 1992 when a jury acquitted four police officers accused in the videotaped beating of black motorist Rodney King following a high-speed pursuit. Thousands of people in the Los Angeles area rioted over the six days following the verdict. Widespread looting, assault, arson, and murder occurred, damage was estimated in the millions. Many of the crimes were gang-motivated or perpetrated. In all, 53 people died during the riots.