Newport Beach Police said 402 arrests were made between 6 p.m. on Friday, July 3, and 6 a.m. on Sunday, July 5. Most arrests were for refusing to leave after police declared an unlawful assembly. About half happened during one major incident on the Balboa Peninsula.

Police said the crowds were made up largely of young adults and juveniles, with many believed to have traveled from outside California. Arizona and Nevada were identified as the most common states connected to those arrested.

Investigators believe the gathering was promoted through TikTok and drew thousands of people to the beach area. Police said the crowd became increasingly aggressive as fireworks were launched into groups of people, toward homes, and at officers. One officer was injured.

Visitors said the situation quickly became frightening. Some people staying in nearby boardwalk homes said fireworks were being set off near vehicles and homes, forcing families with children to stay indoors.

“It was overwhelming,” said one visitor. “There were fireworks being thrown around crowds, near homes, and toward police. Parents were worried because nobody knew what was going to happen next.”

Another visitor said authorities eventually advised people to shelter in place because roads and walkways were blocked.

The incident also included fights, road closures, and damage to the exterior of a Pavilions grocery store. Police said the store itself was not entered by the crowd.

The number of arrests was far higher than the same holiday period last year, when Newport Beach police reported about 60 arrests.

Police officials said they are urging parents to speak with young people traveling for summer or holiday events and encourage responsible behavior. City leaders said they will work with public safety officials to prevent a similar situation from happening again.

Police declared an unlawful assembly at 8:25 p.m. near 26th Street and the beach, then closed all city beaches later that night.

More than 350 officers from Newport Beach PD and 17 regional agencies were brought in to clear the Peninsula.

Fire crews handled 102 emergency incidents, including 10 fires, and took 44 people to hospitals, six classified as trauma patients.

About 200 arrests involved people near 28th Street who allegedly ignored repeated orders to leave.
Roads stayed closed for hours; city crews cleaned debris from streets, sidewalks, and public spaces the next morning