Following the chaos at Newport Beach during the Fourth of July, another Southern California landmark is potentially facing disruption. Knott’s Berry Farm, known for its Old West-themed attractions, might be the next site for a teen-led disturbance, anticipated as early as Saturday.
The Buena Park police are working to identify individuals responsible for organizing the planned unsanctioned event. According to a Facebook post by the police department, they are collaborating with park officials and public safety partners to pinpoint the organizers behind this unauthorized gathering.
“The safety of our community, park guests, and employees remains our highest priority,” stated the officials. “We will have an increased law enforcement presence and will take appropriate enforcement action against anyone who engages in criminal or disruptive behavior.”
The specifics of the potential takeover remain unclear, but it is expected to mimic the Newport Beach incident. During the Newport “TikTok Takeover,” over 400 individuals were arrested, predominantly youth and minors. Videos captured aerial fireworks detonating at close range, with people scrambling for safety, and instances of fireworks being thrown into crowds.
Additional footage showed someone in a Spider-Man mask climbing a traffic signal and leading chants of “USA, USA, USA.” Other videos depicted individuals carrying broken street signs and looting a Pavilions grocery store on West Balboa Boulevard.
Authorities are also working to prevent a separate “beach takeover” planned for Huntington Beach on Saturday. A flyer promoting the event as a “Beach Bash” has circulated.
In response, Huntington Beach Police addressed the organizers with a statement, “Dear ‘Beach Bash’ organizers… Thanks for the flyer. We’ve seen it too,” indicating their efforts to find and potentially prosecute those involved.
The Huntington Beach Police Department’s Special Investigations Bureau has identified individuals believed to be involved in organizing and promoting the event, and investigations are ongoing.
“Anyone who organizes, promotes, encourages, or participates in criminal activity associated with a takeover event may be arrested and prosecuted,” warned police. Potential charges include incitement to riot, vandalism, theft, assault, reckless driving, unlawful assembly, conspiracy, and other offenses.
Knott’s Berry Farm has previously experienced unruly behavior from teens and minors. As a result, the park introduced a policy in 2023 requiring visitors aged 15 and younger to be accompanied by an adult at least 21 years old to enter or remain in the park after 4 p.m. Unaccompanied minors found in the park will be removed.
