More Than 400 Arrested After Fourth of July Disturbances in Newport Beach

Police were dispatched to the Newport Peninsula around 7 p.m. on Saturday after receiving reports of large crowds lighting fireworks and engaging in fights. Video footage obtained by the newspaper showed aerial fireworks launched at close range, fireworks thrown into the crowd, and a person in a Spider-Man mask climbing a traffic light while leading a chant.

Eyewitnesses described the environment as chaotic. An 18-year-old who had traveled from Las Vegas said fireworks were detonated repeatedly in close proximity to people, making the area unsafe. Another witness, a 19-year-old employee at a nearby taco shop, reported underage drinking, yelling and damage to the shop’s windows, as well as looting at a grocery store on West Balboa Boulevard.

By Sunday, local volunteers were cleaning the beach and surrounding areas. The city’s “Not in Newport” campaign, launched earlier this summer, warns visitors that public intoxication, illegal fireworks and other disruptive behavior will be met with increased fines, which are tripled through July 6 in designated safety enhancement zones.

Newport Beach Mayor Lauren Kleiman said the city regularly sees an influx of visitors for Independence Day and noted a recent rise in out-of-state youth participants. She explained that short-term rental permits now carry a one-strike revocation rule if tenants violate public safety laws during the enhanced-security period.

Police confirmed more than 400 arrests in the 36-hour period, including many minors and individuals from outside the city. One officer suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a mortar-type device was thrown at him. The Newport Beach Police Association praised officers’ response, noting they were outnumbered by a large group of agitators.

City officials said a debrief will be held on Monday to evaluate the response and plan for future events.