URGENT UPDATE: A massive homeless encampment in Los Angeles’ Koreatown has rapidly transformed into what residents are calling a “tiny city,” raising serious safety and health concerns. Residents near South Manhattan Place between 7th and 8th streets reported the alarming growth of this encampment, which began as a few tents in May and has now expanded into a sprawling community.
Residents voiced their frustrations on Friday, September 12, 2025, during an interview with KTLA’s Gene Kang. Aerial footage from Sky5 revealed a chaotic scene filled with large temporary structures and heaps of trash. One local woman, Sasha, described the disturbing activities occurring in broad daylight, stating, “They blew up two cars. It started off as a clean tent area, and then going to the store, they were passing drugs.”
The situation escalates as residents express increasing fears over safety. Concerns are particularly focused on fire hazards, as reports indicate that individuals living in the encampment have been running extension cords to steal electricity from nearby buildings. This theft poses immediate risks, with local residents fearing potential fires.
City leaders have been alerted to the situation, but officials admit that one significant obstacle is the encampment’s location on private property. Despite this setback, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass confirmed that city departments are actively responding. In a statement, she emphasized, “It is entirely unacceptable for private property owners to allow their lots to become a nuisance and a danger to the community.”
To address the growing crisis, outreach teams are being dispatched to engage with the unhoused individuals living in the encampment. Mayor Bass reiterated the city’s commitment to holding property owners accountable while ensuring community safety.
As this situation develops, residents are calling for immediate action to restore safety and order in their neighborhood. The ongoing issues surrounding the encampment highlight the urgent need for effective solutions to homelessness in Los Angeles.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as authorities work to resolve the situation and address the concerns of the community.
