With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
LAPD Beefed Up Security For The 'Straight Outta Compton' Premiere
The LAPD beefed up security at the Straight Outta Compton premiere, making their presence known before a film celebrating the rap group that said "F— the police."The N.W.A. biopic saw its world premiere at L.A. Live on Monday night, and according to L.A. Weekly, the police department had additional units from both the Central Bureau and Gang Enforcement Detail on hand. Although Hollywood premieres often draw extra officers, security was notably beefed up for Straight Outta Compton. The AP says extra barricades and metal detectors were all put in place for attendees to navigate.
"We will have plenty of resources and officers there in case of any emergency," Officer Mike Lopez told The Wrap. "We wish that everybody enjoys the premiere and has a safe evening."
Lopez told the L.A. Times that no credible threat actually led to the extra measures, but, "Better safe than sorry."
"I'm not surprised by any of it," Straight Outta Compton actress Carra Patterson told CBS 2. "I think that speaks to what the movie is about. It speaks to everything that's going on in our country." On Monday, a state of emergency was declared in Ferguson as demonstrations marking the anniversary of Michael Brown's death continued and a man was shot by police.
Support for LAist comes from
"This movie is powerful. It's inspiration, and it's going to change a lot of lives," said actor Sheldon Smith. "It's going to give people hope, you know, to move forward, especially with what's going on with police nowadays."
Straight Outta Compton chronicles the rise and fall of the rap group N.W.A., which included Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, and Eazy-E among its members. The film takes its name from their debut album, which included the controversial song "Fuck Tha Police."
At the premiere, Ice Cube toned down his rhetoric a bit, but told CNN (via CBS 2): "There's enough videotapes. There's enough things out there going on now to hold these officers accountable. Let's do it. We just got to have the courage."
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Immigration raids have caused some U.S. citizens to carry their passports to the store, to school or to work. But what documents to have on you depends on your citizenship. -
The historic properties have been sitting vacant for decades and were put on the market as-is, with prices ranging from $750,000 to $1.75 million. -
Users of the century old Long Beach wooden boardwalk give these suggestions to safely enjoy it. -
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course. -
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high.
Best of LAist