Rep. Young Kim, Bipartisan Colleagues Condemn Violent LA Riots, Stand with Law Enforcement and Peaceful Protestors – Congresswoman Young Kim (.gov)

House of Representatives Passes Resolution Condemning Violence in Los Angeles

Introduction

On June 27, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass H.Res.516, led by Representative Young Kim (CA-40), condemning the violent riots that occurred in Los Angeles earlier in the month. The resolution also commends law enforcement officers for their bravery and dedication to public safety.

Key Elements of the Resolution

• Recognition of the right to assemble and protest peacefully.
• Unequivocal condemnation of violence against Federal, State, and local law enforcement.
• Call for collaboration between local, State, and Federal governments to end violent riots and restore peace.
• Expression of gratitude to law enforcement officers for safeguarding communities amid danger.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This resolution aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing peace, justice, and strong institutions (SDG 16), as well as promoting safe and inclusive communities (SDG 11).

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

• Condemning violence supports peaceful societies and the rule of law.
• Backing law enforcement promotes accountable and effective institutions.
• Encouraging cooperation among government levels strengthens institutional partnerships.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• Restoring peace in urban areas ensures safer cities.
• Protecting public safety contributes to resilient and inclusive communities.

Statements from Congressional Leaders

Congresswoman Young Kim (CA-40)

“Peaceful protests are a constitutional right, but vandalism, looting, violence, and other crimes are not. Condemning violence and protecting public safety shouldn’t be controversial. I lead the California Republican delegation in supporting law and order as our communities face unrest enabled by soft-on-crime policies. I thank our law enforcement on the ground and hope we can come together to stop riots, lower tensions, and keep neighborhoods safe.”

She also emphasized the importance of focusing immigration enforcement on individuals with criminal records to enhance community safety.

Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20)

“I strongly support this resolution to condemn violent acts that harm law enforcement officers, disrupt public order, and damage local businesses. These actions are not peaceful protests. We must draw a definitive line against such dangerous and destructive behavior. This resolution reaffirms my commitment to restoring public safety and making clear that looting and assault will not be tolerated.”

Congressman Kevin Kiley (CA-03)

“The violence in Los Angeles results from reckless policies like sanctuary city and state laws designed to protect criminals. It is time for California to end its Sanctuary State status.”

Congressman Doug LaMalfa (CA-01)

“What happened in Los Angeles was a riot, not a protest. ICE agents were met with violent mobs encouraged by politicians urging resistance to law enforcement. Law and order remain a public priority, and I am glad the House condemned the chaos and supported those restoring order.”

Additional Congressional Support

• Rep. David Valadao (CA-22) highlighted the importance of distinguishing peaceful protest from violence and vandalism.
• Rep. Jay Obernolte (CA-23) emphasized holding accountable those who incite chaos and supporting officers who restore order.
• Rep. Ken Calvert (CA-41) underscored the constitutional right to free speech but rejected violence against law enforcement.
• Rep. Tom McClintock (CA-05) called for standing firmly with law enforcement and ensuring accountability for destructive actions.

Conclusion

The passage of H.Res.516 reflects a commitment to uphold the Sustainable Development Goals by promoting peaceful, just, and inclusive societies. It recognizes the constitutional right to peaceful protest while condemning violence and lawlessness that threaten community safety and social stability. The resolution calls for unified efforts among government entities and law enforcement to restore peace and protect communities across California and the nation.

For further information, watch Congresswoman Kim’s statement here and read the full resolution text here.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article focuses on condemning violence, supporting law enforcement, and restoring public safety, which aligns with SDG 16’s goal to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable institutions.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The emphasis on safe communities and ending riots relates to SDG 11, which aims to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 16 Targets:
   • 16.1 Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   • 16.3 Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • 16.6 Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • 16.7 Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.
2. SDG 11 Targets:
   • 11.1 Ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums (implied through the focus on safe communities).
   • 11.7 Provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, particularly for vulnerable groups (implied by the emphasis on peaceful protests and safe public assembly).

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicators related to SDG 16:
   • 16.1.4 Proportion of population that feel safe walking alone around the area they live (implied by the concern about residents living in fear and community safety).
   • 16.3.1 Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized conflict resolution mechanisms (implied by support for law enforcement and condemnation of violence).
   • 16.6.2 Proportion of the population satisfied with their last experience of public services (implied through gratitude expressed towards law enforcement and calls for effective institutions).
2. Indicators related to SDG 11:
   • 11.1.1 Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements or inadequate housing (implied through the focus on community safety and urban unrest).
   • 11.7.2 Proportion of persons who feel safe walking alone around the area they live (also overlaps with SDG 16 indicators).

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: youngkim.house.gov