Police Threaten To Squash Planned 'Takeover' Event In OC Following Recent Chaos

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA — Huntington Beach police sought to shut down a potential "takeover" event being promoted across social media.

According to the Huntington Beach Police Department, a flyer circulating online promoting an "end of summer beach bash" in the city caught the attention of authorities in the last several weeks.

"Dear 'Beach Bash' organizers..." Police said in a Facebook post Thursday. "Thanks for the flyer. We've seen it too. We have no intention of allowing that to happen here."

No further details were provided about when the event was planned to take place or the exact location.

According to the HBPD, several people believed to be involved in organizing and promoting the event were already being investigated.

"Anyone who organizes, promotes, encourages or participates in criminal activity associated with a takeover event may be arrested and prosecuted," the HBPD said in a statement. "If you're under 18, don't assume you're exempt."

The potential takeover comes after a chaotic Fourth of July event in Newport Beach led to violence, looting and the arrest or citation of over 300 people.

According to the Newport Beach Police Department — of the 353 people arrested during the ruckus — only 10 residents were from Newport Beach.

About 316 people were cited for misdemeanors and 37 were arrested, including 25 juvenile arrests, according to The Orange County Register.

Of those suspects, 161 were from California and 145 were from Arizona, the report said.

It was not immediately clear what crimes that those arrested were accused of committing.

The Fourth of July celebration that attracts thousands of people to the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach every year devolved into chaos Saturday when the fights broke out.

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."

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

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

Video shows police on horseback charging into a crowd on the beach to break up the Fourth 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.

A "TikTok takeover," is when a large, unannounced crowds of teens coordinate via platforms like TikTok or Instagram to meet up at a specific public location.

Any residents with information about the upcoming "takeover" event planned in Huntington Beach were urged to contact the HBPD at 714-536-5991.