Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
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.
Long Beach Police Prepare For A Bash Mob Today
Photo by carl ballou via Shutterstock
Long Beach police are warning residents that there might be a bash mob today, in which a group of people get together with the sole intention of committing crimes like theft, assault and property damage, reports City News Service.
A similar event took place on July 9, in the Pike and City Place area of downtown Long Beach. While investigating that event, cops found out that another one was planned for today at 2:00 p.m.
CBS2 reports that during the July 9 event, one person was arrested and a number of businesses reported property damage.
A similar event also took place in Hollywood earlier this week, when over 40 young people took to the streets and robbed pedestrians as well as businesses. Authorities initially thought that the mob was in response to George Zimmerman's not guilty verdict in the case of Trayvon Martin.
Long Beach Police Department Sgt. Aaron Eaton told City News Service that officers are not taking the threat of another mob today lightly.
"The Long Beach Police Department takes this issue very seriously and will be prepared to arrest anyone whose intent is to commit criminal acts,'' he said. "We will continue to support everyone's right to free speech and assembly. However, the police must also protect the safety of those victims targeted by these 'bash mobs.'''
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
