Police on the Jersey Shore issued an emergency curfew on Saturday (21 May) after nearly 5,000 revellers swarmed the seaside resort for a social media party that spiralled out of control.
Authorities were forced to break up crowds in Long Branch, New Jersey after fights broke out among partygoers and were seen sporting tactical gear as they tried to disperse the attendees after dark.
Footage shared on social media gave a brief glimpse of the wild scenes in the city’s Pier Village area, which saw hundreds of people fleeing the seafront as sirens rang out in the background, while several other clips captured fights breaking out among the crowd.
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In one particular TikTok video, filmed by @stuffed_0live from an apartment balcony, dozens of police were seen marching toward the crowd as a police helicopter flew overhead and the sound of a flash-bang was accompanied by smoke.
According to local reports, a number of Long Branch residents received alerts about police presence in the Pier Village area before the curfew was enforced.
The emergency curfew came into effect from 9pm until 5am on Sunday (22 May), and ordered non-residents to leave the area, citing 'public safety concerns'.
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Long Branch Police Department stated that the curfew prohibited anyone from 'using, standing, sitting, traveling or being present on any public street or in any public place'.
Law enforcement officials have since said most revellers left peacefully after it was announced.
However, the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office confirmed that five adults and four juveniles were arrested for incidents regarding fighting on Sunday morning.
City Public Safety Director Domingos Saldida added that an additional six adults were also arrested.
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UNILAD has contacted Long Branch Police Department for comment.
Authorities believe that the crowds were the result of a pop-up party that was promoted on social media in the hours leading up to the curfew.
An advertisement on Instagram for the 'Beach Linkup' called on people to bring their own liquor and weed to the Long Branch Beach starting at noon with no end time. New Jersey cannabis regulators greenlit the sale of recreational marijuana in the state in February.
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However, this isn't the first time a party like this has occurred in the Long Branch city, which boasts nearly 31,000 year-round residents.
Last June, a similar event promoted online was held drawing thousands of teens and young adults to the oceanfront resulting in a massive police response. The event resulted in false rumours about rioting.
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Lisa McLoughlin