Over 400 arrested after July 4 'TikTok Takeover' in beach city leads to fights, looting, vandalism, violence against cops



The City of Newport Beach in Southern California said police made 402 arrests after "social media posts drew a large influx of juveniles and young adults to the Newport Pier area within a matter of minutes" on July 4.

Officials added that "as the crowd quickly grew into the thousands, dangerous and unlawful behavior escalated, blocking roadways, preventing emergency access and putting families, visitors and first responders at risk."

'I've lived here 54, 55 years, and I've never seen anything like that. It's very sad.'

However, officials said "more than 350 officers responded quickly to restore order, reopen emergency access routes and protect the community."

KTLA-TV reported that video of the chaos shows hundreds of people in a parking lot along West Balboa Boulevard — and that some were seen fist-fighting while others vandalized property and looted some local businesses, including a grocery store.

In a statement issued Sunday afternoon, Newport Beach officials said a "large group of unruly juveniles and young adults created dangerous conditions" on the Balboa Peninsula during Independence Day celebrations, KTLA noted.

More from the station:

City officials stated that tens of thousands of people were drawn to the community throughout the day, but things didn’t get out of hand until “late in the evening” when social media posts drew a large influx of people to the Newport Pier in a short amount of time.

That verified reports of previous social media posts advertising a “TikTok Takeover” in Newport Beach.

RELATED: Video: 2 female police officers assaulted, injured in July 4 mob attack; guns, spear recovered

"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 city's statement reads, according to KTLA. "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."

The gathering was eventually declared an unlawful assembly, and law enforcement worked to restore order, the station said.

One Newport Beach police officer was struck by a mortar, KTLA reported, adding that the officer was treated at the scene and released.

The 402 arrests made between midnight July 3 and 6 a.m. July 5 were more than six times the 60 arrests made during the same period last year, the station said.

Officials said approximately 200 of the arrests involved individuals who refused lawful dispersal orders, while those "responsible for inciting the crowd, engaging in violent, criminal behavior, and threatening public safety" also were taken into custody, KTLA reported.

RELATED: Bodycam video: Thug ambushes, repeatedly stabs Florida deputy. Sheriff's office reveals what ultimately saved deputy's life.

A longtime Newport Beach resident spoke to the station Monday morning and said the scene over the holiday weekend was unlike anything he'd experienced before.

"This year was the worst I've ever seen," the resident, named John, told KTLA. "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?" he added to the station. "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]."

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WATCH: Fed-Up LA Business Owners Rip Into Rioters After Looting Rampage

Los Angeles business owners railed against looters who raided their stores as anti-ICE riots continued to rage through the city.

The post WATCH: Fed-Up LA Business Owners Rip Into Rioters After Looting Rampage appeared first on .

34 people arrested amid California fires, including burglar disguised as firefighter; 3 arrested for illegal drone activity



The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office has arrested 34 people for criminal activity related to the devastating fires ravaging the area, according to authorities.

As Blaze News previously reported Monday, one person has been arrested for suspicion of arson.

'We have people who will go to all ends to be able to do what it is they want to do to exploit the victims of this tragedy.'

During a Monday press conference, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna highlighted that there were two "drone incidents" that led to three arrests.

On Friday, firefighting aircraft attempting to battle the Palisades fire were forced to leave the area because of unauthorized drones in the air.

Citing California officials, NewsNation reported that there have been at least 40 incidents in which unauthorized drones forced firefighting aircraft to pause operations.

On Thursday, a drone collided with a CL-415 “Super Scooper” — a firefighting aircraft capable of scooping 1,600 gallons of water to drop on fires.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department said in a statement that a civilian drone struck the Super Scooper Quebec 1 on loan from Canada. The collision reportedly left a hole in one of the wings, but the extent of the damage wasn't known until the plane landed.

Cal Fire spokesperson Chris Thomas told the Los Angeles Times, "This is not just harmless fun. This is incredibly dangerous. Seriously, what if that plane had gone down? It could have taken out a row of homes. It could have taken out a school.”

The damaged Super Scooper reportedly has been repaired and could be back up in the air as soon as Tuesday following a Federal Aviation Administration inspection.

The FAA warned, "It’s a federal crime, punishable by up to 12 months in prison, to interfere with firefighting efforts on public lands. Additionally, the FAA can impose a civil penalty of up to $75,000 against any drone pilot who interferes with wildfire suppression, law enforcement, or emergency response operations when temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) are in place. The FAA treats these violations seriously and immediately considers swift enforcement action for these offenses. The FAA has not authorized anyone unaffiliated with the Los Angeles firefighting operations to fly drones in the TFRs."

The FAA and FBI are investigating the drone strike.

At least 20 people have reportedly been arrested for looting the fire-ravaged areas of South California.

One alleged burglar disguised himself as a firefighter to rob a home during the fires.

Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell stated, "There were three individuals in a vehicle. They were stopped. They were where they weren't supposed to be. One had on a fire jacket and a fire hat. And he was additionally arrested for impersonating a firefighter. We have people who will go to all ends to be able to do what it is they want to do to exploit the victims of this tragedy."

Sheriff Luna added, "When I was out there in the Malibu area, I saw a gentleman that looked like a firefighter. And I asked him if he was okay because he was sitting down. I didn't realize we had him in handcuffs. We are turning him over to LAPD because he was dressed like a fireman, and he was not. He just got caught burglarizing a home. So those are issues that our front-line deputies and police officers are dealing with."

Police said a handful of people were arrested for violating the government-imposed curfew that runs from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Those who violate the curfew could be charged with a misdemeanor and hit with a fine of up to $1,000.

Sheriff Luna also said his department is communicating with local, state, and federal agencies to crack down on "white-collar" crimes in relation to the fires.

"They are all eager to prosecute anybody who is taking advantage of our residents during this very difficult time, whether it is a burglary or it is some kind of white collar crime in a scam or anything that you may be thinking about doing," Luna stated.

Police said at least six people reported missing in the city of Los Angeles.

The County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner stated that 24 people have died in the Palisades and Eaton fires.

Los Angeles Police Department Assistant Chief Dominic Choi said 266 officers have been assigned to the Palisades fire. In addition, 200 National Guard members are helping to secure the Los Angeles area.

According to the latest data from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the current wildfires have scorched over 40,000 acres and destroyed or damaged more than 12,300 structures.

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Group of migrants busted for looting Tennessee homes devastated by hurricane: Sheriff



Tennessee authorities recently arrested eight migrant workers after they were allegedly caught looting homes in Washington County that were devastated by Hurricane Helene.

According to the Washington County Sheriff's Office, five of the men — Albin Nahun Vega-Rapalo, 24; David Bairon Rapalo-Rapalo, 37; Kevin Noe Martinez-Lopez, 25; Marvin Hernandez-Martinez, 43; and Dayln Gabriel Guillen Guillen, 37 — were charged with aggravated burglary for allegedly breaking into occupied structures.

'We have been through way too much for this kind of behavior.'

Three of the men — Jesus Leodan Garcia-Peneda, 51, Josue Berardo Ortis-Valdez, 30, and Ersy Leonel Ortis-Valdez, 33 — were slapped with burglary charges, the sheriff's office reported.

Sheriff Keith Sexton stated that the men were arrested on Saturday and remain at the Washington County Detention Center on $20,000 bonds. They were slated to make their first court appearance on Monday.

"Washington County Sheriff's Deputies continue to patrol our region during the catastrophic flooding, especially along the flood zone," the department said in a post on Facebook.

A spokesperson for the sheriff's office told Fox News Digital that the men are migrant workers who are legally in the United States on work visas.

However, the spokesperson told the news outlet, "That will change as a result of the charges."

"We have been through way too much for this kind of behavior," the spokesperson added.

The sheriff's office told Fox News Digital that the three men charged with burglary were caught looting unoccupied homes and structures "that were barely still standing."

Anything else?

The Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition stated, "TIRRC staff members who deployed to the area witnessed community members struggling to access interpretation services from local and state government agencies, as well as requests by agencies for identification and documentation from immigrant community families that hindered their ability to identify missing loved ones."

According to recent reports, Hurricane Helene's devastation has resulted in the death of more than 160 people in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee — making it the second deadliest hurricane to hit the U.S. in the last 55 years. Hundreds of individuals are still missing, and the storm's death toll is expected to increase as first responders continue to search the debris. More than a million individuals remain without power.

Over 100 people needed to be rescued in the northeastern part of Tennessee. While others remain missing, nine individuals have been confirmed dead in the state.

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Video shows 70 flash mob looters ransack Oakland gas station, took police 9 hours to respond: 'Things have to be fixed somehow'



A flash mob of roughly 70 looters ransacked a California gas station convenience store, which cost approximately $100,000 in losses. The owner said it took Oakland police about nine hours to respond to the looting.

Around 4:30 a.m. on Friday, a flash mob looted the 76 Gas Station & Mini Market near the San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport.

The owner, Sam Mardaie, said there were two employees working at the time and the looting lasted around 40 minutes. The business was only offering window service at the time of the pillaging. However, the looters broke into the market through the front door.

“Shelves were ripped apart, all the grocery items were torn or stepped on or vandalized,” Mardaie told KTVU.

The owner released video of the flash mob ransacking his gas station convenience store. Surveillance video shows the looters going behind the counter and stealing food and products.

None of the employees were harmed in the flash mob looting.

The looters snatched approximately $25,000 in cash from the store’s register and ATM. The owner said the criminals were not able to steal the safe.

Mardaie and his family took over the business in August 2023.

“This is the hardest thing you could ever go through…especially if you’ve been put in sweat and tears day in and day out,” Mardaie said. “Building yourself for the last ten months and then you’re back to square one.”

"Things have to be fixed somehow," Mardaie said. "The citizens of Oakland have to have some sort of security."

The owner said he knew the area was known for crime, but added: "I did not know it is this terrible."

The 76 gas station is located in the same area of Oakland where an In-N-Out fast food restaurant closed in March because of out-of-control crime. The location was the Southern California-based burger chain's only restaurant in Oakland.

The Oakland Police Department told KTVU that officers were responding to a sideshow near the airport that had more than 100 vehicles at the scene. The department said officers responded to the gas station robbery about 90 minutes after receiving a call. However, there were no suspects at the 76 gas station. Police marked the crime as a Priority 2, which means that the incident can be reported online. However, police upgraded the robbery to a Priority 1 crime after seeing the surveillance video.

No arrests were made in relation to the flash mob looting.

District 7 City Councilmember Treva Reid, who represents the area where the crime occurred, said she continues to "advocate and work to secure increased public safety resources and response." Reid urged Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao to prioritize her district's demands.

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Scores of looters swarm gas stations and wreak havoc in America's most violent city



Scores of thugs swarmed two Memphis gas stations over the weekend, stealing thousands of dollars of merchandise and destroying property. Looters also hit a 53-foot FedEx semi-trailer, stealing multiple packages.

While last year, former District Attorney Amy Weirich indicated that Memphis would trend in this direction if soft-on-crime Democratic professor Steve Mulroy was elected chief prosecutor, the exasperated mayor of America's most dangerous city indicated this week the courts were to blame for failing to ensure that criminals are locked up.

Criminals on tour

WMC-TV reported that multiple businesses were robbed and vandalized Saturday night.

"Some people referred to it almost as a purge, it was ridiculous," said James Davis, owner of L.R. Clothier. "I saw some videos on social media."

Davis' business was broken into early Sunday morning, according to police.

"What this says to me is that people don't fear any repercussions of their actions," added the store owner.

Roughly $2,000 of items were stolen from the Exxon at 3483 Airways Boulevard. Over $15,000 of merchandise was taken from the Fill-N-Go gas station at 3084 South Third Street just hours later, where a clerk reported having a rifle pointed at him by a suspect. The mob is estimated to have inflicted $9,000 in damage at the second location.

Footage of one of the incidents shows a mob of looters, some masked and others bare-faced, ransacking a gas station and absconding with everything from candy to an electric sign. One hooded figure taking his time deciding which chocolate bars to load into his sagging pants can be seen carrying around a rifle. Another masked figure grabbing a handful of loot appears to be an adolescent girl.

Clerks and paying customers look on in disbelief as the looters pilfer without any fear of consequence.

— (@)

The looters' targets were not all stationary.

In what appears to have been a coordinated effort, drivers blocked a FedEx truck in the middle of Riverport Road and Mallory Avenue around 8:30 p.m., affording masked men an opportunity to break into the trailer and steal multiple packages.

WHBQ-TV reported that Memphis Police arrived in time only to see various vehicles speeding and driving recklessly away from the gutted FedEx truck.

Officers later received a call from security at Breezy Point Apartments indicating that guards had detained three men suspected of breaking into the FedEx truck, all reportedly reeking of marijuana.

Inside the suspect's white Chevrolet, police reportedly found four Kicker Speakers 6x9, a vehicle headlight, one 14-piece set of pots and pans, a cardboard box of air lines, and three DirectTV cable boxes.

The trio were taken into custody.

— (@)

Par for the course

Following the recent lootings, Mayor Jim Strickland said, "I mean it's similar to videos I've seen across the country. Those convenience store owners are small business people. I've met with them. They have to work there, themselves a lot, just to earn a living," reported WREG-TV.

"The court system needs fundamental change to adjust to what's going on out in the community. The police are arresting them. The courts won't keep them," said Strickland.

While the mayor figures the courts are to blame for his city's failure to keep criminals in check, former Shelby County District Attorney Amy Weirich told "The Todd Starnes Show" last year that her Democratic opponent, now District Attorney Steve Mulroy, would be unwilling and unable "to stand up and fight for the victims of crime and ... enforce the law."

Weirich added that Mulroy's election would leave Memphis looking like San Francisco, although by the numbers that would amount to an improvement.

Memphis scores a 0 on Neighborhood Scout's crime index, where 100 is safest. The likelihood of becoming a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 40. The chance of falling victim to a property crime is 1 in 18.

According to the Memphis Shelby Crime Commission, a non-profit focused on public safety, major violent crime is up 5.4% this year in Shelby County. The major property crime rate has skyrocketed 42.1%.

Murders are up 77% this year and on track to set an all-time city record. The previous record for deadliest year was set in 2021, where Memphis saw 346 homicides and 304 murders.

The city, which had a population of 621,056 last year, reportedly has a poverty rate of 24.2%, an unemployment rate of 9.3%, and a median household income of $43,981, well below the national average. Its demographic makeup is 64% black and 27% white.

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Target to partner with Homeland Security to battle organized retail theft — company expects to lose over $1 billion due to crime



Target announced a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security as a result of a losing battle with organized retail crime that has caused the corporation to expect over $1 billion in losses in the last fiscal year.

The company notified customers of the new DHS partnership after announcing that nine stores would be closed because of substantial losses due to theft, as well as safety concerns, TimCast reported.

The company announced the closure of nine stores across four states: one in New York City's East Harlem neighborhood; three in the San Francisco Bay Area; three in Portland, Oregon; and two in Seattle, Washington.

"We cannot continue operating these stores because theft and organized retail crime are threatening the safety of our team and guests and contributing to unsustainable business performance," the company said in a statement. "We know that our stores serve an important role in their communities, but we can only be successful if the working and shopping environment is safe for all."

Since this video is blowing up I'd just like to say that the #phillyPd did an amazing job last night and definitely saved this #Target from #Utterdestruction. Here's some #BONUSFootage from the #Looting last night in #Philadelphia #philly showing the #PhillyPd Saving #Target pic.twitter.com/mSXERpyjqe
— ✬ꀭꍏꌩꀘꀤ꒒꒒ꊼꋪꉣ✬ (@JaykillXRP) September 27, 2023


Target said that it will make “significant investments in cyber defense” while partnering with the Homeland Security Investigations team, a department that often deals with federal crimes, specifically organized crime like fraud or trafficking.

“Organized retail crime is leading to more brazen, more violent attacks in retail stores throughout the country, and many of the criminal rings orchestrating these thefts are also involved in other serious criminal activity,” said HSI acting executive associate director Steve Francis. “Tackling this growing threat is important to the safety of store employees, customers, and communities across the country.”

ABC News estimated that Target will lose approximately $1.2 billion in the current fiscal year from retail theft. The National Retail Federation, the largest trade group for the retail industry, said internal and external theft and fraud cost retailers $112.1 billion in losses in 2022. Up from $93.9 billion in 2021.

Much of the retail merchandise that gets stolen ends up being sold on various online outlets for profits, which will be a sector targeted by the DHS.

Target will also reportedly host different store walks with federal, state, and local law enforcement to develop an array of strategies to prevent retail crime.

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Carjackings, Looting, And Murder: ‘Equity’ In Action!

More theft and violence are the natural result of the Democrats' push for 'diversity, equity and inclusion.' Law enforcement can't coexist.

Donald Trump Says Looters ‘Should Expect To Be Shot’ If He Retakes White House In 2024

'They will knock the hell out of you'

Top CNN analyst says the quiet part out loud about far-left criminal justice reform after mass riots in Philly



The top law enforcement analyst at CNN admitted Wednesday that progressive criminal justice reform is wreaking havoc on cities and driving up crime.

Philadelphia police arrested dozens of people late Tuesday into early Wednesday after large, organized groups of rioters — whom interim police Commissioner John Stanford called "criminal opportunists" — terrorized the city's downtown area. A second night of mass looting erupted on Wednesday night into Thursday morning.

According to CNN chief law enforcement analyst John Miller, the situation in Philadelphia is endemic of a larger problem striking Democrat-controlled cities.

That problem, Miller said, is that looters exploit protests using "sophisticated communications networks" to organize mass crime sprees. They are emboldened by progressive criminal justice reform that seeks to decrease the penalty for property crimes, he explained, suggesting that "the litmus test" for such reform is to see where organized property crime is occurring.

"You are seeing this kind of looting happening — I mean shoplifting and organized retail theft happen — in places like New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia," he observed.

"If you look at where Target closed nine stores yesterday — four stores in San Francisco, stores in Seattle, stores in Portland, stores in New York — these are places where bail reform laws, criminal justice reforms have taken the inside of a jail cell out of the equation," Miller explained. "So shoplifting is a crime where a judge can't set bail."


To prove his point, Miller cited data from New York City.

"Think about this: In New York City there are just over 300 people who have between them 4,000 arrests; 70% of them are not in jail, and they account for 30% of all shoplifting in New York. This is actually their job. They go out to steal every day," he said.

"And that has gone up significantly because they know getting put in jail is not in the equation any longer because of the laws that say 'it's a no-bail offense' and DA's policies are they don't want people in custody for what they call nonviolent crimes," he explained.

The end result of such criminal justice reform policies, Miller said, is that criminals realize it "is just like shopping without money."

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