More than 400 people were arrested after a Fourth of July weekend gathering in Newport Beach, Calif., descended into chaos, prompting a massive law enforcement response involving 17 agencies and hundreds of officers, some of whom charged on horseback at citizens.
Hundreds arrested in Newport Beach
Authorities said thousands of people converged on the Balboa Peninsula, where the celebration quickly escalated into widespread disorder. Officials reported that explosive mortars were thrown, fights erupted throughout the area and at least one nearby supermarket was looted as officers worked to regain control of the crowd.
According to the City of Newport Beach, 402 people were taken into custody between midnight on July 3 and 6 a.m. on July 5. At approximately 8:30 p.m.on July 4, officials declared an unlawful assembly and urged residents in the area to shelter in place.
Around 350 Newport Beach police officers were joined by personnel from 17 regional law enforcement agencies. Videos shared on social media showed officers on horseback charging on the beach to break up the unruly crowd. The disorder didn’t stop when authorities arrived, and some of the partiers began throwing fireworks at police officers, according to reports.
“The sudden influx of thousands of people into a confined area within a short period of time created an immediate threat to public safety and required a coordinated regional law enforcement response,” a statement from the City of Newport Beach said.
Officers injured on the Fourth of July
Officials said one responding officer was struck by a mortar and treated at the scene.
Authorities also reported that roadways became blocked, limiting emergency vehicle access as projectiles continued to be thrown.
“As the crowd rapidly grew, individuals engaged in increasingly dangerous and unlawful behavior, blocking roadways, restricting emergency vehicle access and throwing explosive mortars, fireworks and other projectiles at police officers, into densely packed crowds and near families with children,” the city’s statement continued.
Authorities and local officials pointed to social media posts promoting an alleged “TikTok Takeover” as a key factor in drawing the large crowds.
“A large group of agitators invaded Newport Beach, spurred on by an alleged ‘TikTok Takeover.’ These persons came to our city with the intent on causing harm, injury and destruction, bringing harassment, disturbances and mayhem,” the Newport Beach Police Association wrote on Facebook.
Mayor condemns the unrest
Newport Beach Mayor Lauren Kleiman sharply condemned those involved in the unrest.
“Yesterday, while most Americans were participating in parades and holding backyard barbecues in honor of our nation’s 250th, Newport Beach Police were away from their families fighting to protect our beloved city from the anarchistic youth that occupied our beaches, disrespected our City and Country,” she wrote on Instagram.
“To anyone who threw mortars at our officers and into crowds, started fights, destroyed property, or ignored police commands, enjoy your view from your jail cell,” she continued.
“To those who came here to behave badly, go back to wherever you came from and never return. To all the parents who sent their kids here without chaperones, good sense, or respect for law enforcement, shame on you,” she added.