Second Riot in Watts (PJW)

October 12, 1958
LOS ANGELES: For the second time in less than a year, the Los Angeles neighborhood of Watts is up in smoke and flames. Another riot has struck the neighborhood.

Tensions remained in the neighborhood in the aftermath of the first Watts riot, which took place from November 3-9 last year. Since then, negro citizens have protested against alleged police brutality and racism against the predominantly negro-neighborhood's inhabitants. Tensions in the neighborhood only increased two months ago when a gunman, with probable links to the National Revolutionary Movement, attempted to assassinate President Wayne during a visit to the city of Atlanta, Georgia. Wayne escaped unharmed by the gunman managed to kill Senator Richard Russell Jr.

While negros continued to protest, the Los Angeles Citizens' Council responded with a protest of their own. The Council surrounded the neighborhood and marched around it, carrying signs with messages such as "Negro Go Back to Africa" and "Justice For Russell". Other signs contained messages with much more vulgar language used.

On the third day of marching, a group from Watts confronted the marchers. A scuffle broke out between the two groups, and soon escalated into a full-fledged battle. The LAPD, led by Captain William H. Parker immediately mobilized the force and worked with the Council to pacify the rioting neighborhood. "This is the second time in less than a year," Parker commented. "Something much more drastic needs to be done in order to contain the situation."

The rioting is still underway. LAPD and Council members have been working all day to pacify the neighborhood, with police officers in heavy riot gear and heavily armed expected to enter the neighborhood tonight.

The breakdown of law and order in Watts has reflected poorly on the outgoing administration of Governor Goodwin Knight, who is now running for Senator. "The Republicans are too soft on these radicals," Democratic gubernatorial candidate Pat Brown told reporters early today. When asked about how he would deal with these riots, Brown stated, "Giving 'em the chair can't be ruled out. We need law and order, and we need punishment for those would dare break that law and order. We can't coddle them, just like the Republicans have."