Post by : Badri Ariffin

Newport Beach police arrested 402 people during the Fourth of July celebrations after large crowds gathered across the city and disorder broke out on the Balboa Peninsula. Officials said nearly half of the arrests were linked to a single incident that unfolded on Saturday night.

According to police, thousands of people visited Newport Beach throughout the day to celebrate Independence Day. Later in the evening, social media posts attracted a large number of juveniles and young adults to the Newport Pier area within a short period, leading to overcrowding and public safety concerns.

Situation Escalates With Fireworks, Fights and Looting

Police said the situation quickly became chaotic as the crowd grew larger. Authorities reported that fireworks were set off close to the ground among large groups of people. The department also released photographs showing fireworks exploding near crowds.

Officials said the unrest included blocked roads, physical fights and the looting of a Pavilions grocery store. Some individuals allegedly launched fireworks into the crowd and directly at police officers. According to the department, one officer was struck by a mortar firework during the incident.

Hundreds of Officers Respond to Restore Order

In a press release, the Newport Beach Police Department said an unlawful assembly was declared after the situation worsened.

The department stated:

"Following an unlawful assembly declaration, more than 350 officers from the Newport Beach Police Department and 17 regional law enforcement agencies worked together to clear the area, disperse the crowd, restore emergency access and protect residents and visitors."

Police said the coordinated response helped clear the area and restore access for emergency services.

Around 200 People Arrested After Refusing Orders

Authorities said approximately 200 people remained near 28th Street despite repeated lawful orders to leave the area. Police said those individuals were taken into custody after refusing to disperse.

Arrest Numbers Far Higher Than Last Year

The number of arrests during this year's Fourth of July celebrations was significantly higher than the previous year.

Police said that between midnight on July 3 and 6 a.m. on July 5, 2025, officers arrested 60 people. During the same period this year, the total number of arrests increased to 402, highlighting a sharp rise in enforcement activity during the holiday celebrations.

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