On this day in 1980, after a trial featuring false and conflicting testimony by police, an all-white jury acquits five Miami police officers who had participated in beating Arthur McDuffie, a Black insurance salesman and Marine Corps vet, to death. Protesters fill the streets.

On the first night, rioters start fires, loot businesses, and target cars driven by white people — killing seven. In three days of rioting, 18 people of various races are killed and hundreds wounded. The city comes to a standstill until 3000 National Guard are called in to enforce a curfew and quell the violence.

At least 8 Black men will receive sentences for the violence.

In 1981, the McDuffie family wins a $1.1 million settlement.