It's been 25 years since the Los Angeles Police Department officers who beat Rodney King walked free after they were acquitted.
When the court failed to reach a verdict on the charges of assault with a deadly weapon and use of excessive force, riots erupted across the country.
In the video above, former AJC staff photographer, W.A. Bridges, discusses what it was like photographing the riots in Atlanta in the days after the acquittal.
"Everyone thought that when these trials came, these guys we're going to get some time for it," Bridges said. "But when they got off, everyone just erupted."
From the archive: AJC photos from Atlanta Rodney King riots
Credit: W. A. BRIDGES JR.
Credit: W. A. BRIDGES JR.
Credit: RENEE' HANNANS
Credit: RENEE' HANNANS
Credit: W.A. Bridges Jr
Credit: W.A. Bridges Jr
Credit: W. A. BRIDGES JR.
Credit: W. A. BRIDGES JR.
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