The popular Seaside Heights boardwalk in New Jersey has been shut down by local authorities after a third night of violence and another reported stabbing. The decision to close the boardwalk comes after growing concerns about public safety, especially as large groups of teens have been gathering in the area during the Memorial Day weekend.
According to officials, this marks the third consecutive night where fights and chaos have broken out in and around the boardwalk. The latest incident involved a stabbing late Sunday night, which followed two earlier stabbings reported on Friday and Saturday. Police said the victim in the latest incident was taken to a local hospital and is recovering.
The mayor of Seaside Heights, Tony Vaz, confirmed the closure on Monday morning. He said the situation had become unsafe for both locals and tourists. “We are not going to allow our town to become a place of fear,” he said in a local news interview. “This is about keeping people safe and restoring peace to our boardwalk.”
Seaside Heights is known for its beaches, arcades, and lively boardwalk scene, often attracting crowds of young people, especially during summer holidays. However, what was supposed to be a joyful Memorial Day weekend quickly turned tense with a surge in disturbances.
Videos shared on social media showed groups of teenagers involved in physical fights, running from police, and gathering in large numbers late into the night. Some clips even showed law enforcement using pepper spray to break up the crowd. The situation was described as “uncontrolled” by one eyewitness.
Police have arrested over 70 individuals over the past three nights, most of them juveniles. Charges include disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and possession of illegal substances. Authorities have said that some of the violence was organized through social media platforms, with large groups of teens planning to meet up at the boardwalk.
Local business owners say they are feeling the impact. Some shops closed early due to safety concerns, and others are reporting losses from canceled bookings. “This isn’t good for anyone,” said a boardwalk vendor. “Families come here to relax, not to worry about getting caught in a fight.”
To handle the situation, the Seaside Heights Police Department increased its presence over the weekend, with support from state police and other nearby law enforcement agencies. Even with the added security, the violence continued.
Governor Phil Murphy responded to the news on Monday, saying he supports the town’s decision to close the boardwalk. “The safety of our communities always comes first. We cannot tolerate this kind of behavior,” he stated.
Officials have not yet confirmed how long the boardwalk will remain closed, but they are expected to review the situation daily. There are also discussions about putting curfews in place and using surveillance systems to monitor crowd behavior in the future.
Residents and long-time visitors have mixed reactions. Some support the closure, saying it’s necessary to restore peace, while others are worried it will hurt tourism and local businesses. “It’s sad to see things go this way,” said one longtime resident. “We never used to have problems like this.”
As summer approaches, towns across the Jersey Shore are now being extra cautious. Nearby towns like Point Pleasant and Asbury Park are also ramping up patrols and keeping a close eye on large crowds.
For now, Seaside Heights remains quiet, with barricades in place and police patrolling the empty boardwalk. The town’s message is clear — they are not willing to risk more violence, even if it means shutting down one of their biggest attractions.
Jon King is an experienced journalist with 3 years of experience in the field. With a strong background in investigative reporting, Jon is known for his in-depth coverage of crime news, finance news, local news, and USA news. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Jon brings his sharp investigative skills, where he provides timely updates and analysis on a wide range of topics. His commitment to delivering accurate and impactful news has earned him a reputation for providing insightful and comprehensive stories that resonate with his audience.
