What the LA Protests Are Reminding Us About Self-Defense: Lessons from the Past, Tools for Today

Los Angeles is once again the stage for widespread protests—many peaceful, but some escalating into violence, vandalism, and looting. This unrest is sparking memories of the 1992 LA Riots, when public trust broke down and emergency services were overwhelmed. In both cases, one hard truth stands out: you cannot outsource your safety when things fall apart.

The 1992 Riots: A Hard Lesson in Self-Reliance

In the aftermath of the Rodney King verdict, LA erupted into six days of destruction. Over 60 lives were lost. Thousands were injured. Law enforcement couldn't respond fast enough—or at all in some neighborhoods. Many civilians were left defenseless.

But not everyone.

Korean-American store owners, now famously known as the “Rooftop Koreans,” armed themselves, coordinated shifts, and defended their businesses when no one else would. They didn’t go looking for trouble—they simply refused to be victims.

Rooftop Koreans; Image Courtesy Wikipedia

The Tools You Need to Protect Yourself

Whether during mass protests or everyday life, the ability to defend yourself legally and effectively is priceless. Here’s what you should have:

? Non-Lethal Tools (Use First When Possible):

• Pepper Spray with 10–15 ft Reach: Ideal for deterring attackers at a distance, especially in crowd-control or outdoor scenarios. Here are some recommendations:
• Small 0.5oz can with 10ft range and leather keychain holder (Pink)
• Small 0.45oz can with 10ft range (Pink)
• Lipstick-Style Pepper Spray with 10ft Range (Pink)
• Lipstick-Style Pepper Spray with 10ft Range (Soft Pink)
• 0.5oz can with 10ft range and case (Black)
• 0.75oz can with 10ft range and keychain (Clear)
• 0.64oz can with 12ft range and grip support (Black)
• 0.64oz can with 12ft range and grip support (Pink)
• 1.59oz can with 18ft range (Black)
• 0.2oz can with 12ft range (Black)
• 0.2oz can with 12ft range (Green)

• Tactical Flashlight & Personal Alarms: Temporarily blind or disorient attackers and attract help. Here are some examples of high-output flashlights that are easy to carry and use:
• 650-Lumen Tactical Flashlight
• 1500-Lumen Tactical Flashlight

? Lethal Tools (Use Only as a Last Resort):

• Firearms: In life-threatening situations—such as a home invasion, riot, or violent attack—a firearm, properly used and legally owned, may be the only way to stop the threat. The key is training, readiness, and legal understanding. Because firearms are specialized for circumstances in which they would be used, we cannot provide a comprehensive list of firearms in a short article. However, for recommendations on which firearms are best suitable for you, contact A2 Firearms at (424) 400 – 5030

Why the Rooftop Koreans Still Matter

The rooftop defenders got it right by:

• Being prepared ahead of time.
• Working together as a community.
• Displaying discipline—they only used force when absolutely necessary.

Image Courtesy LA Times via Getty Images

Get Equipped. Get Trained. Stay Ready.

You don’t need to be a military veteran to protect yourself. You just need:
✅ The right mindset
✅ The right tools
✅ The right training

? Train with us at A2DefenseTraining.com
? Shop the best gear at A2Firearms.com

Final Word

The past is talking. Will you listen?

Whether it’s 1992 or today, when things go south, you are your first responder. Prepare accordingly.

Need help deciding what tools are right for you? Contact us—we’ll walk you through it.

(424) 400 – 5030

A2Firearms.com

A2DefenseTraining.com