'Unruly' crowd and 400+ arrests mark Newport Beach's July 4
A Southern California beach city said it has restored order after social media drew a "large influx" of youth to the area during Fourth of July celebrations in an incident that allegedly involved people blocking roads and throwing fireworks at police.
The city of Newport Beach said police arrested 402 people from midnight on July 3 through 6 a.m. on July 5 - including people who refused dispersal orders. Newport Beach Police Department declared an unlawful assembly due to "large unruly crowds" in the area of 26th Street and the beach just before 8:30 p.m. on July 4.
According to the city, Fourth of July celebrations drew tens of thousands of residents and visitors to the city. However, social media posts allegedly drew a "large influx of juveniles and young adults to the Newport Pier area within a short period of time," the city said in a press release.
It's not immediately clear what those social media posts said. Heather Rangel, a spokesperson for the Newport Beach Police Department, said officials have only released the information shared by the city on July 5, when reached by the USA TODAY Network with questions about the social media posts and details about the incident.
"As the crowd rapidly grew, individuals engaged in increasingly dangerous and unlawful behavior" including by "blocking roadways, restricting emergency vehicle access and throwing explosive mortars, fireworks and other projectiles at police officers," the city of Newport Beach said.
Photos shared by the city on social media show the presence of law enforcement among the crowd, including a moment of what appears to be people darting from a firework going off near 23rd Street. According to police, fireworks of "all types" are illegal in Newport Beach.
The city said one police officer "was struck by a mortar" and was evaluated by authorities on scene before being released.
More than 350 officers from the Newport Beach Police Department and 17 regional law enforcement agencies worked together to respond to the incident, according to the city.
"Those responsible for inciting the crowd, engaging in violent and criminal behavior and threatening public safety were taken into custody and will be held accountable" the city said.
‘Not in Newport': Newport mayor condemns July 4 incident
Newport Beach Mayor Lauren Kleiman said that while most Americans were participating in parades and barbecues for the nation's 250th anniversary, the city's 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."
"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," Kleiman said in a post on Instagram.
Kleiman told those who came to the city to "behave badly" to "go back to wherever you came from and never return." She also called out parents in her post, saying "shame on you" to those who "sent their kids here without chaperons, good sense, or respect for law enforcement."
The mayor said Newport Beach has always welcomed everyone to the city; however, "the destructive behavior displayed by these out of town youth will not be tolerated. Not in Newport."
In a statement on social media, President Joe DeJulio of the Newport Beach Police Association praised officers for their handling of the incident.
"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.' These persons came to our city with the intent on causing harm, injury, and destruction, bringing harassment, disturbances, and mayhem," DeJulio said.
A teen takeover is an event young people plan in spaces like malls, beaches and parks, and organizers often post flyers on Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and in group chats.
What county is Newport Beach, CA, in?
Newport Beach is a coastal city in Orange County. Neighboring coastal towns include Huntington Beach to its north and Laguna Beach to its south.
Previous reporting by USA TODAY reporter Saleen Martin was used in this report.
Paris Barraza is a reporter covering Los Angeles and Southern California for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at pbarraza@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Unruly' crowd and 400+ arrests mark Newport Beach's July 4
Reporting by Paris Barraza, USA TODAY / USA TODAY
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This story was originally published July 6, 2026 at 4:57 PM.