Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman warned residents about looters and vowed to punish them Wednesday amid reports of looting in the county as firefighters struggle to contain multiple wildfires raging in Southern California, including the massive Pacific Fire.
“As the community comes together to support each other, we are also aware of individuals who target vulnerable victims to prey on this adversity, and seek to exploit the vulnerability of those who have already suffered so much,” the DA said in a statement.
“Let it be clearly known that those who seek to unlawfully profit from the pain and suffering of others – whether through looting, fraud, theft, burglary or any other form of criminal activity – will not go unpunished.”
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A firefighter works as the Palisades Fire burns a house on the hill next to the Getty Villa Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, in Pacific Palisades, California. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)
He pledged to hold thieves and other criminals accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
“To those experiencing difficulties, please know that you are not alone,” he said. “Thank you to our brave first responders who work tirelessly to protect our community from this devastation. We appreciate you and everything you do.”
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said Wednesday that at least two people had been arrested for looting, and warned potential imitators to stay out of vacated homes.
The Palisades Fire burns a beachfront property on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 in Malibu, California. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)
“If you think about coming to any of these areas to rob our residents, you will be caught, you will be arrested, you will be prosecuted,” he told a news conference. Broadcast on Fox 11 Los Angeles. “Don't do that! Stay out of these areas. This is only for emergency workers and people who live there.”
At least five people died In fires Throughout Southern California, according to authorities.
At least 130,000 people were ordered to evacuate their homes.
A house burns in the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, Wednesday, January 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Nick Corey)
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ca Gov. Gavin Newsom The state has sent more than 7,500 firefighters and support personnel to assist Los Angeles as the fires continue to burn, the office said.
Neighboring states, including Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah and New Mexico, also sent firefighting equipment.
