Huntington Beach police warn that anyone involved in organizing or taking part in criminal activities tied to a potential “takeover” being planned for that city on August 1 could face arrest.
“Dear ‘Beach Bash’ organizers… Thanks for the flyer. We’ve seen it too’,” begins a statement the Huntington Beach Police Department posted to Facebook on Thursday.
The police warning follows a chaotic Fourth of July weekend in neighboring Newport Beach, where officials said social media posts drew thousands of minors and young adults to the Balboa Peninsula. The gathering escalated into fights, fireworks thrown at police officers, blocked roadways and widespread vandalism, prompting an unlawful assembly declaration and the arrest of 402 people over the weekend.
Huntington Beach has faced a similar headache in the past.
In 2021, a TikTok invitation to “Adrian’s Kickback” went viral, drawing thousands of people to Huntington Beach before the gathering devolved into chaos and ended with nearly 150 arrests.
In its Facebook statement, the police department said it is aware of social media posts promoting the “Beach Bash”. The takeover apparently was being planned for the event on Saturday, Aug. 1, police spokesperson Jessica Cuchilla said.
An Instagram post that officials said promoted the bash appeared to have been removed from Instagram as of Thursday afternoon. The organizers could not be reached for comment.
Authorities said detectives with the department’s Special Investigations Bureau have identified people believed to be involved in organizing and promoting the event and that an investigation is ongoing.
“Anyone who organizes, promotes, encourages, or participates in criminal activity associated with a takeover event may be arrested and prosecuted,” the department’s post stated.
Depending on the circumstances, charges could include incitement to riot, vandalism, theft, assault, reckless driving, unlawful assembly, conspiracy and other offenses, police said.
Huntington Beach Mayor Casey McKeon said the city is coordinating with law enforcement agencies and taking precautions ahead of the potential gathering. He said city officials also are working with attorneys to determine legal avenues to hold organizers accountable and “expedite prosecutions” if crimes occur.
“What happened on Newport on Independence Day, our nation’s most sacred holiday, was disgraceful,” McKeon said. “It really just comes down to parents to be diligent and prevent that behavior in their children.”
The department also warned that minors are not exempt from prosecution and said parents or guardians may be held legally or financially responsible for damage caused by their children.
Huntington Beach police said they are coordinating with regional law enforcement agencies and will have officers prepared to respond.
“Our goal is simple: prevent criminal activity before it starts and keep Huntington Beach safe for our residents, visitors, and businesses,” the department said.
Anyone with information about the event is asked to contact the Huntington Beach Police Department’s Special Investigations Bureau at 714-536-5991.