A violent altercation erupted in Los Angeles during a parade celebrating Martin Luther King Jr., resulting in an alleged stabbing incident and an assault on a police officer in the vicinity of the chaos.

The Los Angeles Police Department responded swiftly to a report at the intersection of Stocker Street and Crenshaw Boulevard. The situation unfolded just before 2 p.m., involving a 40-year-old man who sustained stab wounds during a confrontation that involved several individuals.

As tensions escalated, additional altercations spilled over into nearby streets, compounding the disorder. The police found themselves addressing multiple skirmishes, highlighting the volatile nature of the event.

Amidst the turmoil, Moji Akingba, a participant from Her Butterfly Effect, stood as part of the 38th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and Celebration along Martin Luther King Ave. in Long Beach on January 17, 2026.

To restore order, officers issued dispersal commands and strategically positioned their patrol cars, working diligently to manage the unruly crowd and prevent further violence.

An officer was allegedly assaulted near the parade route in Leimert Park, according to ABC 7, although it was unclear if it was related 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.