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Crisis Response

'Battle of Los Angeles' anti-aircraft barrage and blackout

Name: 'Battle of Los Angeles' anti-aircraft barrage and blackout
Start: 1942-02-24
Location: United States

In the night of February 24–25, 1942, anti-aircraft batteries and civilian defenses in the Los Angeles area fired on reported enemy aircraft, triggering citywide blackouts and causing civilian casualties and property damage amid widespread alarms.

The incident highlighted wartime fear on the U.S. home front, prompted scrutiny of civil-defense procedures and military communications, and became a contentious episode in public debate over enemy threats and wartime governance.

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