Statement Regarding the Incident at the Independence Day Celebration

We understand the concerns residents have expressed about an incident that occurred during Saturday evening’s Independence Day Celebration. While this year’s event was enjoyed safely by thousands of residents and visitors, the actions of a small group of juveniles required an immediate and appropriate law enforcement response.

The safety of our residents and visitors is always our highest priority. In the immediate aftermath of any incident, the focus is on protecting those in attendance and allowing law enforcement to respond and establish the facts. At its peak, approximately 2,700 people attended this year’s celebration. Based on prior years’ experience, the Everett Police Department (EPD) enhanced its operations plan for this year’s event, assigning 35 officers throughout the evening, with neighboring law enforcement agencies on standby to provide additional assistance if requested.

At approximately 8:40 PM, several altercations involving groups of juveniles occurred in and around Glendale Park, causing distress among some attendees. Officers assigned to the event responded immediately, intervened, and brought the situation under control. EPD requested mutual aid, which is standard practice for events of this size, and at least 25 officers from Revere, Chelsea, Somerville, Medford, and the Massachusetts State Police responded. There were no reported injuries to officers or spectators.

In a separate incident at approximately 8:04 PM, officers responded to a report of juveniles causing damage at Walgreens; one juvenile was arrested. That youth matched the description from a BOLO (Be On The Lookout) EPD had received earlier in the evening from the Revere Police Department regarding a report of a youth with a firearm; no firearm was recovered. No juveniles involved in any of Saturday’s incidents were found to be in possession of a firearm, and no firearms were displayed or discharged at any point during the event.

In total, five juveniles were arrested in connection with the celebration — only one of whom is an Everett resident — in addition to the one arrested at Walgreens. All were taken to the station and released to parents.

The fireworks display began at 9:00 PM, earlier than the originally scheduled 9:30 PM, due to forecasted thunderstorms. That decision was weather-related and was not connected to the evening’s incidents.

EPD initiated an investigation into these incidents immediately. By Monday evening, detectives, School Resource Officers (SROs), and the Community Services Unit, working with neighboring law enforcement agencies, had identified those believed to be involved. At this time, those involved will be charged with offenses including Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon (shod foot), Assault and Battery Causing Bodily Injury, Disturbing the Peace, and Assault and Battery. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be sought in consultation with the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.

Violence of any kind has no place at City events. We recognize that incidents like this are unsettling for residents and families, and we remain committed to providing safe, family-friendly community events through proactive planning and a strong public safety presence. We thank the Everett Police Department and our regional law enforcement partners for their swift, professional response, which helped restore order quickly.