Memorial Day Mayhem as 73 Arrested, Including 21 Kids During Holiday Weekend [WATCH]

What was supposed to be a festive Memorial Day weekend turned into a law enforcement nightmare on the Jersey Shore, as widespread violence and disorder led to the arrest of 73 individuals — including 21 juveniles — and the temporary shutdown of the iconic Seaside Heights boardwalk.

The chaotic events unfolded during a 72-hour period beginning early Friday morning and lasting through 6 a.m. Monday.

Despite proactive steps by local officials to prevent a repeat of last year’s mayhem, the popular beach destination was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of visitors and a disturbing wave of violence.

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“The last few days have been mayhem in this town,” said Sarah Frailey, a bartender at EJ’s Tap House along the boardwalk.

“Kids were out of control. It’s like the ‘Jersey Shore’ show.”

Police confirmed that Seaside Heights saw an influx of approximately 100,000 visitors over the long weekend.

The popular two-mile boardwalk — known for its amusement piers, arcades, and scenic views — became the epicenter of several violent episodes, including at least three stabbings and multiple fights.

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According to Detective Steve Korman of the Seaside Heights Police Department, 52 adults and 21 minors were arrested during the weekend.

In a particularly troubling development, three young men were stabbed within a block of the boardwalk, but all refused to cooperate with police, making it impossible to bring charges in those cases.

Image Credit: Facebook / Assemblyman Paul Kanitra

After the third stabbing occurred just after midnight on Monday, Seaside Heights Police Chief Thomas Boyd made the decision to temporarily close the boardwalk in what was described as a “proactive approach to ensure public safety,” Korman told the Asbury Park Press.

Authorities have not disclosed how long the boardwalk remained closed to the public.

The arrests included a 21-year-old man from Beachwood who was taken into custody following a 911 call about a fight.

He now faces multiple charges including possession of a firearm, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, resisting arrest, and obstruction.

Amid the escalating disorder, a pedestrian in neighboring Seaside Park was struck by a vehicle and had to be airlifted to a nearby hospital, further underscoring the dangerous atmosphere that gripped the area.

Image Credit: Facebook / Assemblyman Paul Kanitra

In anticipation of the crowds, local officials had beefed up security.

According to NJ.com, an additional 100 officers were deployed for the holiday weekend. Seaside Heights Mayor Tony Vaz had also indicated that the borough was prepared to involve outside law enforcement if large groups — particularly teens and young adults — became too unruly.

But even with those efforts, authorities were unable to fully control the surge of visitors and the disturbances they brought with them.

The violence this year was reminiscent of the 2023 Memorial Day weekend, when dozens were arrested and a 15-year-old was stabbed during a brawl on the same boardwalk.

At that time, the boardwalk had to be shut down temporarily after what officials described as “civil unrest,” triggering panic and causing crowds to flee down exit ramps amid false reports of gunfire.

Though Memorial Day is traditionally seen as the unofficial start of summer along the Jersey Shore, for residents, business owners, and law enforcement in Seaside Heights, the holiday has become more of a crisis than a celebration.

Image Credit: Facebook / Assemblyman Paul Kanitra

Many locals have begun to question the long-term impact of these increasingly chaotic weekends on the town’s reputation and safety.

“We love this town and want people to enjoy it, but not like this,” said one longtime resident who asked to remain anonymous. “It’s out of control. Something has to change.”

Whether that change comes in the form of stricter curfews, larger police presence, or new policies for crowd control, one thing is clear: the status quo is no longer sustainable.

As the summer season approaches, Seaside Heights officials are left to grapple with how to welcome tourists while keeping both visitors and residents safe — a delicate balancing act that will likely shape the town’s future for years to come.

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