Final answer:
The immediate cause of the 1992 Los Angeles riots was the acquittal of police officers who were videotaped beating Rodney King. The incident highlighted systemic injustices and led to days of unrest in Los Angeles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The event that immediately set off the Los Angeles riots of 1992 was the acquittal of the police officers involved in the beating of an African American motorist, Rodney King. The beating had been captured on video by a civilian and once the footage was broadcast, it sparked a national debate about police brutality and systemic racism. When the officers were acquitted despite the video evidence, it incited anger and disbelief within the community, leading to widespread riots in Los Angeles, which resulted in numerous deaths, thousands of injuries, and extensive property damage.