Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman said reports of looting in the county come as firefighters struggle to extinguish multiple wildfires raging across Southern California, including the massive Pacific Palisades fire. on Wednesday, warning residents of the looters and promising they would be punished.
“While communities rally to support one another, we also seek to exploit this misfortune by targeting vulnerable victims and exploiting the weaknesses of those who have already endured so much suffering. We are also aware of individuals who are
“Be it plunder, fraud, theft, robbery, or any other criminal act, let it be clear that those who seek to illegally profit from the pain and suffering of others will not go unpunished.”
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Firefighters work as the Palisades Fire burns a house on the hill next to the Getty Villa on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, in Pacific Palisades, California. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)
He vowed to hold thieves and other criminals accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
“To those enduring hardship, please know that you are not alone,” he said. “Thank you to our brave first responders who are working tirelessly to protect our communities from this devastation. We appreciate you and all you do.”
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna announced Wednesday that at least two people had been arrested on suspicion of looting and warned potential copycats to stay away from evacuated homes.
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On Wednesday, January 8, 2025, the Palisades Fire destroys an oceanfront property in Malibu, California. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)
“If you are thinking of entering these areas to steal from residents, you will definitely be arrested and prosecuted,” he told a news conference. Broadcast on FOX 11 Los Angeles. “Please don't do that. Stay away from these areas. It's only for emergency workers and the people who live there.”
At least five people have died in wildfires across Southern California, authorities said.
At least 130,000 people have been ordered to evacuate their homes.
A house burns during the Eaton Fire on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 in Altadena, California. (AP Photo/Nick Cooley)
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California Governor Gavin Newsom's office announced that the state is sending more than 7,500 firefighters and support personnel to assist Los Angeles as the fires continue.
Nearby states including Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah and New Mexico are also sending fire services.
