Because of an Instagram ad: Hundreds stormed the hotel - and then discovered the truth

Hundreds of residents stormed the Mayfair Hotel in Los Angeles following viral posts promising free apartment distributions. The event was exclusively intended for 300 people already registered in an assistance program accompanied by a social worker. Police and hotel management clarified that there was no open distribution.

Over the weekend, hundreds of residents stormed the Mayfair Hotel in Los Angeles following viral posts promising free apartment distributions. The posts, circulated on social media, claimed that the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) would allow people to view apartments and receive approval on the spot. However, the event was exclusively intended for about 300 people already registered in the official assistance program, and only if they arrived accompanied by a social worker. When the crowds arrived, representatives of the authority and the hotel had to clarify that there was no open distribution, and those waiting were left disappointed. The article is based on a report from Fox Los Angeles.