Buena Park Police Increase Presence at Knott's Berry Farm Ahead of Planned Weekend Gathering

Buena Park police said they are aware of an unsanctioned event planned at Knott's Berry Farm this weekend and have increased their presence at the park. Officers stated they have been in contact with park officials and are identifying organizers. The planned gathering follows a Fourth of July event in Newport Beach promoted on TikTok that drew roughly 3,000 people.

Newport Beach police reported fights, thefts from businesses, ignited fires, and fireworks thrown at officers and crowds, resulting in more than 400 arrests. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Lakewood station issued a warning July 9 about social-media-driven gatherings.

Huntington Beach police warned July 7 about an "End of Summer Beach Bash" promoted on social media and said they had identified organizers and promoters.

Knott's Berry Farm requires guests younger than 16 to be accompanied by someone 21 or older during afternoon hours because of prior unruly behavior. Fights between teenagers forced the park to close early in July 2022. Police in Clearwater, Florida, identified 11 social-media-driven takeover events this year.

Chicago police made 53 arrests at a Memorial Day weekend gathering, and about 1,000 teenagers appeared at Orlando's ICON Park in April, leading to nine arrests. Buena Park police said they will take enforcement action against criminal or disruptive behavior.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's station in Lakewood stated it will not tolerate criminal activity disguised as a celebration and warned that parents could be held financially responsible for damage caused by their children.