Luxurious beach town descends into riots as 400 are arrested as horse-riding police swarm out-of-control July 4 celebrations

By LAUREN ACTON-TAYLOR, US NEWS REPORTER Published: 21:24, 6 July 2026 | Updated: 21:24, 6 July 2026 As America celebrated its 250th birthday, one beach town in California was thrown into utter chaos after more than 400 people were arrested amid explosive riots. Over July 4 weekend, thousands descended onto the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach on Saturday evening as footage captured unruly patriots setting off fireworks and throwing punches.  More than 400 people were arrested amid the chaos, as explosive mortars were thrown and storefronts were seen ransacked.  Around 17 law enforcement agencies assisted 350 Newport Beach police officers in controlling the crowds, including officers on horseback who were seen in viral footage breaking up the mass of people.  '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,' a statement from the City of Newport Beach said. From midnight on July 3 until 6am on July 5, a recorded 402 people were placed into custody, the statement said. By Saturday at 8.30pm, officials declared an unlawful assembly and locals were warned to shelter in place. An officer responding to the chaos was struck by a mortar and treated on the scene, while fights broke out and a nearby supermarket was looted, according to the city. Footage from the chaos saw several incidents of fireworks being set off among crowds of partygoers who were seen frantically sprinting from the explosives.  Over July 4th weekend, thousands descended onto the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach on Saturday evening as footage captured unruly patriots setting off fireworks and throwing punches Around 17 law enforcement agencies assisted 350 Newport Beach police officers in controlling the crowds, including officers on horseback who were seen in viral footage breaking up the mass of people Social media posts, known for inciting 'Takeovers,' were largely blamed for stoking the unrest and prompting the mass of partygoers to descend at once 'As the crowd rapidly grew, individuals engaged in increasingly dangerous and unlawful behavior, blocking roadways, restricting emergency vehicle access and throwing explosive mortars, fireworks and other projectiles at police officers, into densely packed crowds and near families with children,' the statement continued.  Social media posts, known for inciting 'Takeovers,' were largely blamed for stoking the unrest and prompting the mass of partygoers to descend at once.  '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,' the Newport Beach Police Association wrote on Facebook. Newport Beach's Mayor Lauren Kleiman condemned the rioting crowds and wrote on Instagram: 'Yesterday, while most Americans were participating in parades and holding backyard barbecues in honor of our nation’s 250th, Newport Beach 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,' she continued.  'To those who came here to behave badly, go back to wherever you came from and never return. To all the parents who sent their kids here without chaperones, good sense, or respect for law enforcement, shame on you.' Kleiman then applauded local law enforcement for their 'tireless' work throughout the night and added: 'We’ve always welcomed everyone to our city, but the destructive behavior displayed by these out of town youth will not be tolerated. Not in Newport.' From midnight on July 3 until 6am on July 5, a recorded 402 people were placed into custody, the City of Newport Beach said Newport Beach's Mayor Lauren Kleiman condemned the rioting crowds and applauded local law enforcement for their efforts against 'these anarchic youth'  By Saturday at 8.30pm, officials declared an unlawful assembly and locals were warned to shelter in place In a statement to the Daily Mail, Kleiman said: 'I am proud of the way our Newport Beach Police Department handled and diffused a bad situation induced by inciting posts on social media that could have escalated into one with tragic outcomes.' 'Saturday’s examples of disrespect and destruction in our city were scary, saddening and totally unacceptable...This was an attack on our community and we will do whatever it takes to ensure it never happens again,' Kleiman continued, citing numerous policies implemented by the city to combat the disruption.  'All of these efforts were no match for these anarchic youth who had no respect for the hundreds of law enforcement officers from 17 agencies. Today we turn our focus to how to prevent this type of incident in the future and protecting our beautiful city.' 'Late in the evening, social media posts drew a large influx of juveniles and young adults to the Newport Pier area within a matter of minutes,' the Newport Beach Police Department posted.  Streets surrounding the beach area were seen shut down by law enforcement at around 3pm on Saturday, as numbers of people continued to grow.  'It was absolutely potentially a volatile situation and it only got worse,' bystander Robert Burgeson told the Orange County Register. He and his son-in-law, Chris Schott, were both riding in a golf cart to shop for supplies at around 3pm when the masses descended, he said. 'There were probably 1,000 teens and young adults cramming the area,' Burgeson recalled. 'I couldn’t even get out of the parking lot.' John, a longtime local of more than 50 years, told KTLA: 'This year was the worst I’ve ever seen. Last year was kind of a little crazy, but this year…was a riot.' 'I’ve lived here 54, 55 years and I’ve never seen anything like that. It’s very sad. Come to the city, please, come enjoy yourself.  'It’s Fourth of July...greatest country in the world, right? Beautiful beach, the water’s warm, there’s a little bit of surf, why wouldn’t you come here? Please come, but please don’t do what you did [this year].' On Sunday, longtime local Robert White, 60, said that crowds weren't an uncommon site for the holiday weekend. A local posted on social media fuming over the 'disgusting and unacceptable' display on the historical holiday and said: 'Just a bunch of hoodlums looking for trouble. From now on shut down the streets, require proof of residency, locals only' A person amid the scenes posted on Facebook that they became 'trapped' due to the 'unreal chaos and extremely illegal fireworks by mobs of unruly young people, and p***ed off police in full riot gear with helmets, batons, and non-lethal shotguns' 'This happens every year, only smaller,' he told the Orange County Register, as he recalled hearing the sounds of helicopters and police officers at around 3pm on his way home. Another local posted on Facebook fuming over the 'disgusting and unacceptable' display on the historical holiday and said: 'Just a bunch of hoodlums looking for trouble. From now on shut down the streets, require proof of residency, locals only.' One other resident said that the scenes they had seen were 'something I never imagined seeing in this town.'  'I am incredibly angry for the local business owners and residents who had their properties vandalized,' they said.  'I feel for the families whose vacations were completely ruined, and for the law enforcement officers who were completely overwhelmed by the scale of the unrest. It is deeply disappointing to see crowds of teenagers completely out of control, destroying property, looting, and clashing with police.' A person amid the scenes posted on Facebook that they became 'trapped' due to the 'unreal chaos and extremely illegal fireworks by mobs of unruly young people, and p***ed off police in full riot gear with helmets, batons, and non-lethal shotguns.' 'We finally made it home around 1:30am. Thankfully safe, in one piece, and no apparent damage to vehicles. The fireworks were so loud and extreme they made car alarms go off and were hitting and damaging vehicles with debris or direct hits by the wayward rockets and chasers they were lighting up,' they wrote.  'The youngn's were straight clowning. I saw a traffic sign pulled out the ground and could hear them smacking the sign repeatedly on the concrete. I saw a baby palm tree uprooted and knocked down. I saw an individual in front of me throw a large object and hit a police car on purpose.' An officer responding to the chaos was struck by a mortar and treated on the scene, while fights broke out and a nearby supermarket was looted 'I saw at least 10 to 20 folks standing on top of an out of service transit bus with a crowd cheering them on. I seen at least three gang related fights and heard one guy calling his homies after a fight because he was jumped by a group claiming a certain gang. Crazy night for sure,' they wrote.  The City of Newport Beach has made previous attempts to thwart disruptions and disorder from large crowds following the arrests of around 500 people amid spring break in 2025.  Last year's Fourth of July in Newport Beach saw 76 arrests, the outlet reported.  '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 in a statement.    Around 200 of the total arrests on Saturday stemmed from a crowd that allegedly refused dispersal orders near 28th Street, according to the city.  Ahead of the festivities, the city council approved the implementation of stricter enforcement and increased fines for violations across particularly problematic areas, including Balboa Peninsula, West Newport and Corona Del Mar, earlier this year. At the time, officials said that many rental properties for vacations were being utilized for house parties and new rules would keep rentals restricted to short-term use.  According to the city, Newport Beach Fire Department responded to 102 emergencies on July 4th alone, including ten fires and the transportation of 44 people to hospital, including six trauma patients Officials announced that they would continue to 'evaluate this year's response' and find additional ways to 'deter unlawful behavior' in the future 'while preserving a safe, welcoming environment for residents and visitors during future holiday celebrations' According to the city, Newport Beach increased the number of police and fire staff to prepare for the holiday and 'expanded Safety Enhancement Zones, partnered with regional law enforcement agencies, established a mobile booking station and conducted proactive enforcement throughout the Peninsula.'   'These measures enabled officers to rapidly mobilize regional resources, restore public safety and protect the tens of thousands of residents and visitors who celebrated responsibly throughout the holiday,' the city's statement said.  According to the city, Newport Beach Fire Department responded to 102 emergencies on July 4th alone, including ten fires and the transportation of 44 people to hospital, including six trauma patients. '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.' Cleanup efforts following the chaotic holiday weekend commenced on Sunday morning 'after order was eventually restored on the Balboa Peninsula,' the city said. Officials announced that they would continue to 'evaluate this year's response' and find additional ways to 'deter unlawful behavior' in the future 'while preserving a safe, welcoming environment for residents and visitors during future holiday celebrations.' The Daily Mail reached out to the City of Newport Beach, Newport Beach Police Department and Newport Beach Fire Department.