A series of stabbings and fights led to the closure of a popular boardwalk in Seaside Heights, New Jersey, over the Memorial Day weekend. More than 70 people were arrested, including 21 minors, as the area saw a surge of visitors, estimated at around 100,000.
The chaos began early Friday and continued until Monday morning. Despite efforts to prevent violence after last year’s disturbances, the situation escalated. Police reported that 52 adults and 21 juveniles were taken into custody, as officers worked to manage the large crowds.
The violence included three stabbings that occurred close to the boardwalk. However, the victims did not cooperate with law enforcement, preventing any arrests related to those incidents. In response to the third stabbing, which happened just after midnight on Monday, Police Chief Thomas Boyd ordered the boardwalk closed to protect public safety.
Among those arrested was a 21-year-old man from Beachwood, who faced multiple charges, including possession of a firearm. In a separate incident, a pedestrian in Seaside Park was struck by a vehicle and had to be airlifted to a hospital.
Local business owners described the weekend as chaotic. Sarah Frailey, a bartender at EJ’s Tap House, noted that the scene felt out of control. Authorities had deployed an additional 100 police officers this year to avoid a repeat of last year’s violence, which included a stabbing of a teenager and a brief closure of the boardwalk due to panic caused by reports of gunfire.
Seaside Heights officials had coordinated with outside law enforcement to manage the crowds, especially young people, in hopes of preventing unrest. The boardwalk, known for its amusement piers and arcades, remains a popular destination, but safety concerns have prompted increased security measures. It is currently unclear how long the boardwalk will remain closed.