Beaches Closed, Supermarket Looted, Violence Explodes: How A Mob Took Over Newport Beach July 4 Celebration

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — A 4th of July celebration that attracts thousands of people to the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach every year devolved into chaos Saturday when fights broke out, fireworks were hurled at police officers and more than 400 people were arrested.

According to police, a "Tiktok takeover" triggered the ruckus.

"Yesterday, as our nation celebrated its semi-quincentennial with families and neighbors gathering peacefully, joyfully, and safely...a large group of agitators invaded Newport Beach, spurred on by an alleged 'TikTok Takeover,'" Newport Beach Police Association President Joe DeJulio said. "These persons came to our city with the intent on causing harm, injury, and destruction, bringing harassment, disturbances, and mayhem."

According to police, young adults and minors threw explosive mortars, fireworks and other projectiles at crowds, prompting law enforcement officers to block roadways and restrict vehicle access.

In addition, a police officer struck by a mortar was treated at the scene.

"My son is a police officer for Newport Beach and he told me today he's never seen anything like it," Colleen Ann commented on Facebook. "It was complete chaos."

Video shows police on horseback charging into a crowd on the beach to break up the 4th of July revelers.

Amid the chaos, some people threw punches at other partygoers and a nearby Pavilions supermarket on West Balboa Boulevard was ransacked, police said.

The incident was the result of a "TikTok takeover," police officials said, in which large, unannounced crowds of teens coordinate via platforms like TikTok or Instagram to meet up at a specific public location.

"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," the Newport Beach Police Department said in a statement. "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."

From midnight July 3 through 6 a.m. on July 5, Newport Beach police officers made 402 arrests. Last year, officers made a mere 60 arrests in the same bracket of time, police said.

Roughly 200 people who remained near 28th Street after repeatedly refusing lawful dispersal orders were among those arrested, police said.

"Our officers remained focused on one priority throughout the evening, protecting our community and restoring public safety," Newport Beach Police Chief Dave Miner said. "The extensive planning that went into this holiday, combined with the professionalism of our officers and our mutual aid partners, allowed us to respond quickly to a dangerous situation, restore order and protect the thousands of residents and visitors who came to Newport Beach to celebrate responsibly."