Violence mars Dodgers' World Series celebration

Thousands of Los Angeles Dodgers fans poured into downtown after the team clinched the World Series, but a faction of revelers turned parts of the celebration into vandalism, arson and looting. Crowds gathered across central corridors including Sunset Boulevard near Echo Park and the L.A. Live area, where videos and eyewitness accounts show people spraypainting buses, scaling a fire engine, setting a Metropolitan Transit bus ablaze and igniting fireworks inside vehicles. Authorities say the bus was torched near Echo Park after the driver and passengers evacuated; only the charred frame remained. Investigators also documented fans climbing on a fire truck and disabling equipment.

Police issued multiple dispersal orders as thousands ignored road closures. Officers reported bottles and fireworks thrown at them and deployed tactical units and less lethal munitions in some areas. At least 12 arrests were made on charges including commercial burglary, vandalism and unlawful assembly. Several downtown businesses were looted during the unrest, with footage showing people leaving a Nike outlet carrying merchandise.

City and transit officials condemned the violence. The mayor expressed regret and urged fans to celebrate responsibly, warning that violence would not be tolerated. Metro officials said they were “disappointed and angered” and confirmed the safe evacuation of the bus operator and five passengers before the blaze. Emergency responders and forensic teams cordoned off affected areas while documenting damage and collecting evidence.

Authorities stressed that the majority of celebrations remained peaceful, noting that only a minority engaged in destructive behavior, but the incidents highlighted weaknesses in crowd control and public‑safety planning for large spontaneous gatherings. The unrest prompted officials to announce stepped‑up security for the forthcoming official victory parade, including expanded patrols and restricted routes intended to prevent a repeat.

The episode has reignited debate over how to manage mass celebrations and control access to potentially dangerous items during crowded events. City leaders said they will review response protocols and coordinate with transit and law‑enforcement partners to improve prevention and rapid response. Investigators are pursuing leads from video evidence and eyewitness accounts as they seek to identify and charge those responsible for setting the bus on fire, damaging emergency equipment and committing thefts during what began as a jubilant championship celebration.