Minneapolis PD chief warns anyone looking to cause chaos on July 4th: 'You will be arrested'
MPD hoping to avoid July 4 chaos of past years
The Minneapolis Police Department is warning that anyone looking to cause chaos on July 4 will be arrested. FOX 9's Leon Purvis has the full report.
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The Minneapolis police chief is warning anyone thinking of shooting fireworks off and causing mayhem in the city over the Fourth of July holiday: "You will be arrested."
July 4 safety in Minneapolis
Local public safety leaders talked safety over the Fourth of July holiday after past trouble in Minneapolis.
Fireworks ahead of July 4 celebrations
What they're saying:
FOX 9 spoke with some residents who live near Loring Park. They said fireworks are already being set off days before America’s birthday.
"It was going off last week too, to be honest," said Jamell Elbey, who lives near Loring Park. "So it's like, it'll make you think other than fireworks, you know what I mean? Like, sometimes I thought it was gunshots. My dogs get leery, get to jumping and running around the house."
"I've honestly stopped paying a ton of attention, because it's pretty regular, I think, over the past couple of weeks, especially. It's like several times in the evening, sometimes, like three or four times," said Sam Grayck who lives near Loring Park.
Emergencies vs. non-emergencies
What you can do:
Officials say anyone reporting fireworks noise complaints and other non-emergencies should call 311.
When there is a dangerous situation where fireworks are being shot at people or property, that’s when you call 911.
Minneapolis emergency dispatch workers say they get 300 to 500 extra calls on the night of July 4.
July 4 trouble
The backstory:
Minneapolis saw chaotic Fourth of July nights in both 2022 and 2023, where groups of young people roved around the city, shooting off fireworks at people. In 2022, there was also a July 4 shooting at Boom Island that sent seven people to the hospital.
Minneapolis police beefed up patrols in 2024, which they say stemmed much of the trouble. Still, police ended up arresting 30 people on the night of July 4 after fireworks were thrown at people and launched at properties. Most of the trouble happened in the Dinkytown area during the overnight hours.
Those arrested ranged between ages 15 and 23. Chief O'Hara blamed the bad behavior on mob mentality.
"It is large groups of young people, the vast majority of which are not actually shooting fireworks at people, but they're a part of the problem," the chief said. "It's creating a mob mentality. It's spread on social media. These large groups form, and they're kind of just there to watch the show. But at least from our perspective, when the behavior gets that serious, essentially riotous behavior, they are just as culpable as those that are shooting the fireworks."
Mpls resident on fireworks: 'I felt afraid'
It was a terrifying night for some residents, as large groups of young people set off fireworks across Minneapolis, sometimes directing the explosives at people and law enforcement officers. The morning after the July 4th chaos, FOX 9 spoke with residents about the overnight chaos.
Minneapolis police crackdown
What we know:
The police department is again planning to step up patrols, with the chief warning anyone looking to cause chaos: "You will be arrested."
"We know we have a lot of concerns from residents in our community over what we've seen in recent years," said Chief O'Hara. "We've seen unacceptable behavior during what should be a time of celebration. Residents and families deserve to celebrate Independence Day without fearing gunfire and without fearing fireworks would be used recklessly and dangerously against persons and property. So let me be clear. If you have intentions of coming to this town to cause chaos, don't. You will be arrested, and we will seek charges against you."
Last year, the chief says messages circulated around social media, encouraging people to come out and cause trouble. Chief O'Hara says he was out on patrol that night and personally experienced the mayhem.
"The night before the Fourth, messages began circulating on social media, encouraging people to come from out of town to Minneapolis and attack people and police with fireworks," recounted O'Hara. "Just before midnight and into the early morning hours, groups of juveniles and young adults did exactly that. I was on the ground that night and I personally had fireworks fired towards me."
Plan in place:
O'Hara says the department is even better prepared to handle any trouble this holiday weekend and will have more officers on patrol than in the past few years. They will put in effect the road closures they used last year, that police say were effective in thwarting trouble.
"The MPD has increased staffing throughout the weekend," explained O'Hara. "We've coordinated a robust citywide public safety plan in partnership with other law enforcement agencies. We are also, once again, using strategic road closures in areas that have seen high levels of problematic behavior. These measures have proved successful last year in disrupting that activity, protecting neighborhoods, and ensuring celebrations could continue safely."
Police are also continuing to monitor social media for any calls of "park takeovers" and other trouble.
Official celebrations in Minneapolis
Local perspective:
Like last year, the city will again have an official fireworks celebration. After holding laser light shows in place of the standard fireworks celebration, last year the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board brought back its "Red, White, and Boom" fireworks display.
The fireworks will be held on Friday night at 10 p.m. over the Mississippi River near the Stone Arch Bridge. A celebration will be held throughout the day in the same area.
The chief also noted the Taste of Minnesota Festival will be underway this weekend, and the department has worked with organizers to keep it safe.