The riots were sparked by tensions between white sailors and Marines, and young Mexican American and African American residents who wore distinctive zoot suits. The flamboyant suits, characterized by baggy trousers and long jackets, were seen as unpatriotic at a time when fabric was subject to rationing. Many wearers of zoot suits were also ethnic minorities such as Latinos and Mexican Americans, who were presented as ‘miscreants’ and ‘hoodlums’ by the press, especially in the aftermath of the Sleepy Lagoon murder case involving the 38th Street Gang.

The riots began on the night of 3 June, 1943, when a group of sailors on shore leave clashed with Mexican American youths in downtown Los Angeles. The violence quickly escalated as more servicemen joined in, targeting not only Mexican American youths but also African American and Filipino youths, who were stripped them of their suits and beaten in the streets.

The riots continued for several days, spreading to other parts of the city and resulting in widespread violence. The Los Angeles Police Department struggled to contain the situation, and there were reports of police officers either standing by or participating in the attacks. Hundreds of people, primarily Mexican American youths, were also arrested, often on charges of vagrancy or disturbing the peace.

Media coverage of the riots further exacerbated racial tensions, with reports portraying the zoot suiters as juvenile delinquents and troublemakers. However, the aftermath of the Zoot Suit Riots saw notable individuals such as First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt publicly recognise racism as the central cause of the riots.