Biography
John Washington, known as Long John, was arrested in the raid on the 55th Street residence. Contemporary reporting describes jail confinement and says he had been released by its December 20, 1969 publication. The exact physical release date is not stated. This is not the older Freedom Rider Rev. John R. Washington. This historical record does not establish current custody. Total time detained and any unreported individual disposition remain unverified.
Los Angeles Panther raids and detention
John Washington, known as Long John, was arrested in the raid on the 55th Street residence. Contemporary reporting describes jail confinement and says he had been released by its December 20, 1969 publication. The exact physical release date is not stated. This is not the older Freedom Rider Rev. John R. Washington.
The December 8, 1969 Los Angeles police raids targeted Black Panther premises at Central Avenue, the Toure Community Center and a residence on 55th Street. The Party denounced the operation as political repression. Contemporary Party reports are attributed as such; their allegations of mistreatment are not presented as independent court findings.
Individual verdicts, physical release dates and time actually detained are recorded only where supported. The broader trial included acquittals on serious counts and some weapons-conspiracy convictions. It would be inaccurate to describe every raid defendant as acquitted of every charge.
Sources
- The Black Panther, December 20, 1969, printed pages 2, 10–11 and 13: named custody reports
- The Black Panther, December 27, 1969, printed page 15: LA 18 defense roster
In a November 1969 first-person account, Michael Pennewell identifies John Washington as “Long John” and describes their arrest and booking at Los Angeles’s 77th Street station after crossing at 84th and Main while organizing a Watts community house. Washington was accused of interference. This episode predates the separately recorded December 8 raid. The exact arrest day, length of detention and release remain unknown.
Source-reported institution for this episode: Los Angeles 77th Street police station.
