Over 400 Arrested During Chaotic Fourth of July Celebration in Newport Beach

A Fourth of July celebration in Newport Beach turned chaotic, resulting in over 400 arrests by local law enforcement. Officers responded to the Newport Peninsula around 7 p.m. on Saturday after reports of large crowds lighting fireworks and engaging in fights, according to City News Service.

Digital footage showed aerial fireworks being lit at close range and individuals throwing fireworks into the crowd. Witnesses described the atmosphere as unsafe, with one attendee, Emily Alcala, 18, stating that the situation felt terrorizing due to the fireworks being discharged among crowds. Other videos on social media depicted looting at a nearby Pavilions grocery store. Newport Beach Mayor Lauren Kleiman confirmed that many of those arrested were minors and individuals from outside the area. One officer sustained non-life-threatening injuries from a mortar thrown at him. The city is reviewing the events to improve safety for future celebrations.