During a Los Angeles parade celebrating Martin Luther King Jr., tensions escalated into a confrontation that reportedly resulted in a stabbing, with a nearby police officer also being attacked.
The Los Angeles Police Department responded to a situation at Stocker Street and Crenshaw Boulevard, where a 40-year-old man was allegedly stabbed during a fight that erupted among several participants shortly before 2 p.m.
As reported by authorities, subsequent altercations spilled over into neighboring streets.
Moji Akingba, representing Her Butterfly Effect, took part in the 38th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and Celebration along Martin Luther King Ave. in Long Beach on January 17, 2026. (Getty Images)
In efforts to manage the situation, officers gave orders for the crowd to disperse and positioned their vehicles in strategic lines.
According to ABC 7, an officer was allegedly attacked near the parade path in Leimert Park. However, it remains uncertain whether this incident was linked to the stabbing.
Los Angeles Police were called in response to reports that a 40-year-old man was stabbed after a fight. (Reuters)
Police did not release information on the officer’s condition.
“Unfortunately after the parade, LAPD responded to a group of young people creating a disturbance and there are reports of a stabbing towards the end of the parade route that remains under investigation,” Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said the stabbing remains under investigation. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)
“My Office of Community Safety is coordinating closely with LAPD and community violence interventionists in the area to de-escalate tensions and disperse the crowd to ensure everyone makes it home safely. Los Angeles has zero tolerance for this type of violence,” she added.
The stabbing victim was transported to a nearby hospital, but details about his condition are also unknown.
