Los Angeles Times columnist George Skelton (Photo: L.A. Times)Los Angeles Times columnist George Skelton, then a young news reporter, was in the Capitol when the Black Panthers entered on May 2, 1967. In this episode of the Capitol Weekly podcast, Skelton shares his memories of that historic day with John Howard and Tim Foster.
A Black Panther Party member brings a shotgun into the state Capitol, May 2, 1967. He was one of two dozen armed Panthers who entered the building. (Photo: Walt Zeboski/Associated Press)It’s largely forgotten now, but 50 years ago, it created a national sensation. It even caused the National Rifle Association and Ronald Reagan to back a gun-control bill authored by a Republican. Tuesday is the 50th anniversary of the May 2, 1967 “invasion” of the state Capitol by two dozen gun-toting Black Panthers.