WATCH: Female Officer Beaten as July 4 Block Party Turns Violent
A July 4 block party in North Charleston, South Carolina, turned chaotic after police say reports of gunfire, fireworks being shot at cars, and assaults on officers brought law enforcement into a dangerous scene.
The incident happened Saturday in the Chicora-Cherokee community. A video from the scene spread online and appeared to show a female police officer being knocked to the ground during a struggle with multiple people.
According to the North Charleston Police Department, the gathering had been approved ahead of time.
“A neighborhood block party had been permitted by the city of North Charleston in advance of the holiday,” police said. “Earlier that day, police leadership met with event organizers to discuss the event, including traffic and parking plans to ensure emergency vehicles could safely access the area if needed.”
Police said things changed later in the evening.
“At approximately 8:30 p.m., officers began receiving reports of gunfire and individuals firing fireworks toward passing vehicles. Officers responded immediately and were informed by attendees that several people had begun discharging firearms,” the department said.
During the police response, officers said they recovered “multiple firearms and a makeshift spear.” The department also said two female officers were hurt after being physically assaulted.
The video shows one female officer being thrown to the ground as a struggle unfolds around her. One person appears to strike toward her head. Another person is seen hitting the officer with what looks like a stick while the fight continues.
Other officers then move in to break up the attack. In the footage, one officer deploys a taser and later drives his knee into a man who appeared to be holding onto the female officer. At least two people can be seen being taken into custody.
Police later released photos of weapons they said were recovered at the scene. The video was first published by the Carolina Courier Substack.
North Charleston Police told The Carolina Courier that multiple arrests tied to the incident were made at the location. Investigators are also working to identify more suspects for questioning and possible arrest.
The Carolina Courier also reported that law enforcement sources said both North Charleston and Charleston City requested mutual aid from nearby jurisdictions during several Independence Day holiday incidents.
The attack is another reminder of how fast a public event can turn dangerous when gunfire, street violence, and mob behavior enter the picture. A permitted block party is one thing. Officers being beaten while trying to respond to reports of shots fired is something else entirely.
Police have not publicly released the full list of charges or all suspect identities tied to the incident. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities review video and work to determine who else may have been involved.