Rodney King, the victim of a police beating that was captured on video and sparked riots in the early '90s, was found dead in a swimming pool Sunday morning near Los Angeles. He was 47. There were no signs of foul play, according to CNN.
Known for his memorable quote, "People, I just want to say, can we all get along? Can we get along?," King was beaten by four Los Angeles police officers in April, 1991 after a high-speed chase. When the four officers were tried for the beatings, three were acquitted and one's court proceeding was declared a mistrial. In a later trial on civil rights charges, two of the officers were sentenced to 30 months in prison.
The result of those verdicts was intense rioting in Los Angeles, resulting in more than 50 deaths, $1 billion in property damage and a sea change in the way race is discussed in the United States.
Twitter lit up with the news Sunday morning with King as the top trending topic. Most expressed a simple RIP, but others conveyed poignant and emotional sentiments:
#RIP Rodney King. #Retweet for Respect. bit.ly/P4w5QU— #TeamWIZ (@ReaIWizKhaIifaa) June 17, 2012
Rodney King has died. His statement during the LA riots is really moving & worth remembering: bit.ly/L6fDBx— Johann Hari (@johannhari101) June 17, 2012
Rodney King was the reason my parents had a 3 VCR's when the L.A. riots happened.— Beyoncé | Lady GaGa (@iFreakum) June 14, 2012
Rodney King seemed to have a sweetness he couldn't hide and a hurt he couldn't contain. #RIP— LOLGOP (@LOLGOP) June 17, 2012
R.I.P. Rodney King. Never be afraid to stand up for what you believe in.— D Burrie (@DBoftheCLE) June 17, 2012