Demand Justice for Arabelia Martinez, Street Vendor Attacked in Downtown LA
The Issue
On June 22, 2026, Arabelia Martinez was working at her street vendor stand near Figueroa and 7th streets in downtown Los Angeles when a stranger approached, poured hot sauce on her hot dogs, and then turned violent. What followed was captured on video: the woman struck Martinez on the head and face, pulled her hair, and knocked her to the ground — repeatedly.
Bystanders had to physically intervene to stop the attack. Other nearby vendors had their stands overturned as well. According to a GoFundMe established by Martinez's son, the attacker made racist remarks and told Martinez to "go back to Mexico."
The suspect has not been identified. LAPD is investigating. Martinez's cart was damaged and her family has turned to crowdfunding to help her recover.
Arabelia Martinez was doing her job. She was serving her neighborhood. Street vendors are a cornerstone of Los Angeles — workers and small business owners who get up before dawn, push their carts to their corners, and feed this city. They deserve to feel safe doing that work.
We are calling on LAPD to make identifying and arresting the suspect in this attack a clear priority — and on the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office to pursue the maximum available charges, including hate crime enhancements, once that suspect is found.
The video exists. The attack is documented. Now we need accountability.
Sign to demand justice for Arabelia Martinez and safety for every street vendor in Los Angeles.
301
The Issue
On June 22, 2026, Arabelia Martinez was working at her street vendor stand near Figueroa and 7th streets in downtown Los Angeles when a stranger approached, poured hot sauce on her hot dogs, and then turned violent. What followed was captured on video: the woman struck Martinez on the head and face, pulled her hair, and knocked her to the ground — repeatedly.
Bystanders had to physically intervene to stop the attack. Other nearby vendors had their stands overturned as well. According to a GoFundMe established by Martinez's son, the attacker made racist remarks and told Martinez to "go back to Mexico."
The suspect has not been identified. LAPD is investigating. Martinez's cart was damaged and her family has turned to crowdfunding to help her recover.
Arabelia Martinez was doing her job. She was serving her neighborhood. Street vendors are a cornerstone of Los Angeles — workers and small business owners who get up before dawn, push their carts to their corners, and feed this city. They deserve to feel safe doing that work.
We are calling on LAPD to make identifying and arresting the suspect in this attack a clear priority — and on the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office to pursue the maximum available charges, including hate crime enhancements, once that suspect is found.
The video exists. The attack is documented. Now we need accountability.
Sign to demand justice for Arabelia Martinez and safety for every street vendor in Los Angeles.
The Decision Makers
Supporter Voices
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on June 24, 2026